Chelsea Kids Pitch Their Seven Wonders to Secretary of State
By Emily Marshia

The Chelsea seventh and eighth grade social studies classes were handed one final mission for this school year. Due to a poor winter season in the ski and snow-sports industry, they were asked to create a tour of the state to boost Vermont's economy through tourism by creating "The Seven Wonders of Vermont."

As a recap of the year studying ancient civilizations, the students researched the Seven Wonders of the World, discovering that only one of the original Seven Wonders is actually still standing (The Great Pyramids at Giza). The rest of the world has recognized this as well and is holding a world-wide vote on the Seven "New" Wonders, so that people can visit, see the places for themselves, and stand in awe before each wonder. (You can vote at www.new7wonders.com)

Under the direction of social studies teacher, Sydney Copp, the two social studies classes went head-to-head in a group debate on which of their 21 world-wide nominees should make the final cut. In the end it was a tie, but they were primed for their final task, having practiced the arts of discussion, persuasion, debate, group decision-making and compromise. Then they brainstormed criteria and possible places in Vermont that make people wonder; places that are unique to the Green Mountain State. Students delivered persuasive speeches to each other and then voted on the seven places or things that best deserve the honor of this title in Vermont.

This past Thursday, June 7 (a month before the 7 "New" Wonders will be announced) Secretary of State Deb Markowitz came to Chelsea School to listen to the presentation of the student-chosen wonders of Vermont. Students delivered a series of persuasive speeches, arguing that this tour, the Seven Wonders of Vermont, should become a reality because it will boost the local economy and showcase all that is wonderful and unique to Vermont. Their chosen wonders were: Lake Champlain, Camel's Hump, Vermont Maple Syrup, The Tunbridge World's Fair, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, The Northeast Kingdom, and Stowe.

Secretary Markowitz remarked that the students were "wonderful." She would like to include the tour on her website, but the project will have to be continued next fall to get it online. Perhaps by this time next year, the Seven Wonders of Vermont will be a household name thanks to the students of Chelsea Middle School.

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