Jennie D. Blake Students Celebrate Dam Model Competition Win

HILL, NH — Four Jennie D. Blake School fifth and sixth graders have been celebrating all month, including at a school showcase event and at a Board of Education meeting, after their creation won first place in the elementary school division of the Association of State Dam Safety Officials' Dam Model Competition.

The students built the tabletop model, which represents the Franklin Falls Dam, over the summer. They also developed a plan to educate the public about dam safety.

Students, their parents, and staff presented at ASDSO’s annual Dam Safety Conference in Denver in September.

The winning fifth and sixth grade students – Riley Dill, Madison Lloyd, Isabella Mills, and Caleb White – faculty, and staff shared their recent accomplishment with members of the state Board of Education at their Oct. 10 meeting.

The students who built the model were guided by Briana Edwards, a Natural Resource Specialist and Ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who works primarily at the Franklin Falls Dam.

Each student received a medal, and the school received a plaque commemorating the win.

The team effort extended beyond the quartet of students. The children were supported by Superintendent-Principal Brian Connelly, and Hill preschool parent and ASDSO member Josh Gilman shared his knowledge and expertise. In addition, local model train enthusiast Dave Sias offered critical advice on landscape design to create a realistic model.

"The dam plays an integral role in the history and day-to-day life of the Hill community," the New Hampshire School Administrators Association noted in a news release. "In 1938 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined a dam and reservoir were needed in Franklin to protect the region from flooding of the Pemigewasset River. The project would have wiped out the town."

Instead, in 1940 and 1941 Hill residents purchased land and created a new village including a Town Hall and Jennie D. Hill School. The school moved to the Town Hall building in 2001. Today, the Franklin Dam provides safety and opportunities for recreation.

"The students' model attracted significant attention, with attendees praising their work and asking insightful questions," according to Connelly. "The students engaged with the public with impressive maturity, making the experience even more memorable. Several attendees were so impressed that they offered the students potential future employment opportunities in fields related to dam design, construction, and maintenance."

ASDSO provided a $2,500 travel stipend, and a parent created a community GoFundMe campaign that raised $3,200 in just a few days. Remaining costs were covered by a Hill resident.

"Thank you to Briana, Josh, Dave, and the many people in our community who gave our students a once-in-a lifetime learning experience," Connelly said.