Schools
Manchester 7th Grader Wins Essay Contest
BOE honors Derek Schmidt for taking first place in newspaper competition.
Derek Schmidt, a seventh grader at Manchester Township Middle School, was honored by the Manchester Township Board of Education for taking First Place for February 2013 in the Asbury Park Press Student Voices competition.
Derek’s essay answered the question, “What do envision yourself doing 10 to 15 years from now?” His essay was published in both the print and online versions of the Asbury Park Press.
Principal Nancy Driber said she was overwhelmed and excited when she found out Derek had won. “It is not an easy contest to win – there are many, many entries," she remarked.
Derek read his essay to the Board. He said that in 15 years he plans on being a structural engineer with a degree from Rutgers, married with two children, and living in Southern California.
“My ultimate desire is to design high-speed roller coasters and other theme-ride attractions in amusement parks such as Six Flags Great Adventure or Walt Disney World,” he read. “These roller coasters will consist of very steep drops, twists, loops and many other unexpected things that will give you a thrill of a lifetime...My roller coaster line will be made of titanium throughout the tracks and will have electro-mechanical propulsion systems to accelerate the train at amazing speeds...The coaster carts will be very aerodynamic and undergo the most advanced computer-simulated safety tests available. There will be heated, cushioned seats with over-the-shoulder restraints and racing safety harnesses for ultimate rider protection."
To read Derek’s full essay go to http://www.app.com/article/20130220/NJOPINION05/302200042/Roller-coaster-ride-looms-my-future .
