Grab an uncooked turkey because I got a special photo to show you this week.
For those went to Romeo High School (RHS), do you remember receiving a free 10-pound turkey for writing the best Thanksgiving story in your Creative Writing class?
That's exactly what's happening in this picture. In 1979, senior Todd Allen won "The Turkey of the Year" for his story. In this photo seen here, he's being awarded the turkey by teacher Erwin Slava.
The 1979-1980 RHS Yearbook explained the contest by stating this: "Each year, on the day before Thanksgiving vacation, the senior Creative Writing classes participate in a traditional contest: 'The Turkey of the Year.'"
The award - a 10-pound turkey - was given to the author of the best Thanksgiving story. It started back in 1972 and continued throughout that decade.
If the name Erwin Slava sounds familiar, it's because he was the grand marshall for the 2024 Romeo Peach Festival. He was an English teacher at RHS for many decades. For all the awards he gave to his students, I'm thankful that he was rewarded for his own contributions to the Romeo community.
In addition, 1979 was the last year that the school did "The Turkey of the Year" award. It's not clear why it ended, but I wouldn't be surprised if the rising cost of an uncooked turkey played a role. While it might be harder to give away those birds these days, I'm still glad the school was able to do that for its seniors taking Creative Writing classes. Let's hope that all the winners, including Todd, were able to enjoy their turkeys for Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
To learn more about Todd Allen, Erwin Slava, and Romeo High School, you can contact the Romeo Community Archives at rca@romemodistrictlibrary.org or call (586) 690-4890.
Images and sources courtesy of the Romeo Community Archives; Romeo High School Yearbook Collection, 1973, p.152-153 and 1980, p.107