On behalf of the Wilton Education Foundation (WEF), we would like to thank all the students, teachers, and families that helped make the WEF Smarter than a Fifth Grader a huge success! The night could not have happened without our amazing MCs, Sal Giaimo and Bryan Ennis. Their opening dance number had the audience rolling in the isles!
The night could not have happened without our brave contestants: Olympic Gold Medalist and Wilton native Kristine Lilly, Wilton Y's Camp Gordyland Director Aaron Britton, WHS senior Alex Bendix and Cider Mill gym teacher Rich Lotko.
Our highly accomplished contestants were backed by 16 smart fifth graders, who were the highest four scorers in their respected houses, Nod Hill, Belden Hill, Cannondale, and Kent. What a huge accomplishment! Thank you Catherine O'Keefe for organizing the tests and making sure the students made it to the Clune Center on time.
The tests and the questions were compiled by our remarkable Cider Mill School Teachers: Jessica Bujdud, Caroline Duggan, Jason Gossman, Karen Hawkins, Michael Hossler, Pauline Monteleone, Lisa Perry, Carol Splittorf, Sara Sved, Gina Dignon, Michael Galullo, Jason Greasley, Lisa Hibbard, Cristelle McNeill, Andrew Person, Dawn Randall, Kate Stallfort, and Julie Wojciechowski. Thank you for all your time and energy! Those were hard questions.
The live commercials were great. Thank you Wilton Dance Studio, Wilton Family YMCA- Camp Gordie Land, and Conservatory of Dance for you inventive performances.
We cannot forget to thank our wonderful Smarter than a Fifth Grader Team, Maxine Berg, Heather Borden Herve, Deb Defeo, Janet Duff, Kate Filaski, and all our volunteers who helped sell tickets, man the water table, and pass out programs.
Last but not least, thanks to all who came to watch, cheer, and dance with our esteem contestants, MCs, and Fifth Graders. Your enthusiasm and energy helped made Wilton Education Foundations Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader a huge Success! Thank you!
About the Wilton Education Foundation
The Wilton Education Foundation is dedicated to enriching the learning experience for Wilton students by providing ongoing professional development for teachers, the latest in innovative and interactive teaching tools, support for music and the arts, and "beyond the classroom" experiences to provide Wilton's public school students with the confidence and skills to succeed in college and beyond. For more information on the foundation, its mission, volunteer opportunities, and the many events and programs, please visit www.WiltonEducationFoundation.org.