Hooked on Mary Lyon: A Sixth-Grade Odyssey

By Lauren Jablonski

Being in sixth grade at St. Isidore Catholic in Columbus, Nebraska, meant having the opportunity to compete in National History Day, which was held in Washington, D.C., June 11–14. The theme for this year was “Turning Points in History.” I had no idea what I wanted to do for this competition. We entered the theme into the Internet. Mount Holyoke founder Mary Lyon was the very first person that came up. As I scanned the information about her, I was instantly hooked.

After I learned as much as I could from the Internet, I emailed Mount Holyoke for more information. Immediately, I was contacted by the associate director of communications, Kevin McCaffrey. He sent me boxes of materials, and that is how the relationship between the College and me began. Having gathered the information, I put together my dialogue for my performance. Then the trick was to memorize it.

After about a week or so of memorizing, it was time to think about a costume and props. I found a long, black dress, a scarf, and boots. The boots were spray painted black to look like they were from the 1800s. There are many generous people in my community who let me borrow a desk, antique books, and a bookcase. History Day is not just about a performance. You are required to write a bibliography that tells all the sources used in the presentation.

To compete on the national level, I had to compete in two other competitions. Competing on the district level against twelve others meant I had to get in the top three in order to go to state. I placed second. In order to go to nationals, I competed at the state level against eight others, and I had to place in the top two. I placed first. I flew to Washington, D.C., and competed. I did not make the runoffs; however, it was an honor just to be there.
As I researched this interesting woman, I realized the many obstacles she faced as a woman who valued education in the 1800s. I quickly became aware that women today take education and its opportunities for granted. Mary Lyon dared to do what she believed was right. She faced criticism with great courage and continued to fight for the right to quality education for all women—including me.

One of the challenges I faced while preparing for my performance was trying to become a woman of the 1800s. Everything had to be ladylike—correct posture, long, dark dresses, proper manners, and worst of all, less impulsiveness. It was hard not to just be myself—a bubbly, energetic girl of the twenty-first century.

After having done all this research, it was a great pleasure to visit the campus of Mount Holyoke this June. I was impressed with the gentle beauty of the vine-covered buildings, the peacefulness of the waterfall, and the possibilities of what one woman’s dreams could create. Someday I hope to be a lawyer. This dream might not have been mine, had it not been for the fortitude and determination of Mary Lyon. She opened the doors for me and all women who value lifelong learning. I will treasure Mary Lyon forever!

Lauren Jablonski is now a seventh grader at Scotus Central Catholic in Columbus, Nebraska.