Levine, Schwan Win Homework Center's Essay Contest

Later this month, the Framingham Library’s Homework Center will celebrate its 5th anniversary.

Sunday, the Homework Center announced the winners of its 2nd Annual Essay Contest.

This year’s topic was What I know About the History of Framingham.

Winners were Framingham High sophomore Adam Levine and Cameron Middle school student Martine Schwan.

Each received a $100 check, thanks to essay sponsor Nelson Zide for ERA Key Realty Services in Framingham.

The winners also received the book Framingham’s Civil War Hero: The Life of General George H. Gordon from author and Town Historian Fred Wallace.

The presentation was made fittingly at the Edgell Memorial Library, as the main Framingham Library is still closed due to an electrical explosion in October 2015. The Edgell Memorial Library is home to the Framingham History Center.

Levine wrote about the incorporation of the Town of Framingham in 1700, the town’s connection to the American Revolution and its involvement in the anti-slavery movement leading up to the Civil War.

Schwan focused her essay on Framingham’s connection to the Salem Witch trials and its connection to the Battle of Bunker Hill.

The idea for this year’s essay theme came from Hannah Levine, a Framingham High sophomore, who has served on the Homework Center’s Youth Advisory Board for the last 5 years.

The Homework Center provides free tutoring for Framingham students in grades 1-12 Monday through Thursday during the school year. With the main library closed, the Center has been working out of space at the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest Pearl Street Clubhouse.

The Homework Center, funded via grants and donations, is under the direction of Judy Gatlin.

The Center during the last five years has sponsored town-wide spelling and geography bees, held fashion shows and other events to raise money for the new Christa McAuliffe Library Branch, and supported literacy efforts in Framingham.

Gatlin is assisted by volunteer tutors and a youth advisory board comprised of middle and high school students.