Kids from Ridge in Brookhaven were the envy of every kid in the country as the small town on Long Island was officially
named "Matchbox USA." At a special ceremony last week, Ridge Elementary School was presented with a check for $25,000 to
help build a new playground as the Grand Prize winner of the "Matchbox USA" Contest, a national contest which drew entries
from kids all across the country.
Ridge Elementary School second grade teacher Donna Beary used the "Matchbox USA Contest" as a Social Studies lesson on
different types of community helpers. Essays from the students described the community's service vehicles and the important
role each person plays in serving people and saving lives.
"The Matchbox USA Contest was an incredible learning experience for the students in Ms. Beary's second grade class," stated
Dr. Barbara Gerstenlauer, principal of Ridge School. "Seeing the results of their efforts in a new playground provided a
real life experience for these students. The students learned that by working together, they can make a difference in their
school and community. We're very proud of them."
"Everyone in the town of Ridge should be proud of the new playground. The students did an excellent job on their essays and
we're very proud to call Ridge, New York 'Matchbox USA'," noted Gene Murtha, vice president of marketing for Matchbox.
As part of the Grand Prize, the town's name will appear on a collection of 1998 Matchbox diecast cars, including a police
car, school bus, ambulance, fire truck and sanitation truck. Ms. Beary accepted a commemorative plaque, and students
received $500 worth of Matchbox toys.
The "Matchbox USA Contest" asked kids 12 and under to submit an official entry form along with a 50-word or less essay on
why their town should be chosen as "Matchbox USA." Entries were received from children and classrooms from almost all 50
states. In addition to Ridge's grand prize win, schools in 10 communities from New Jersey to California were selected as
Second Place winning towns. Each town and its mayor or governing body also received a plaque and the 10 children and/or
groups responsible for the winning essay each received $100 worth of Matchbox toys.
Look for a copy of the rules and an official entry form for the 1998 "Matchbox USA Contest," coming soon, at
http://www.matchboxtoys.com.
