Somerset Students Recognized In New York Times Memoir Contest

SOMERSET, NJ — Two eighth-grade students from Cedar Hill Preparatory School have earned recognition in the New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest, placing among the top 2,358 entries out of more than 14,000 submissions worldwide.

Lily Trotta and Aiden Betancourt were recognized for their 100-word personal narratives in the international competition, which challenges students ages 13–19 to tell a meaningful, true story with clarity and precision.

Aiden’s memoir, “Bird Watching,” reflects on a friendship formed during his early days at a new school. Through simple yet vivid observations of birds near a soccer field, he captures how the experience shaped his patience and attention to detail.

Lily’s piece, “One Last Moment,” shares a heartfelt story about saying goodbye to her family’s beloved cat. In just a few lines, she conveys the emotion of a final moment, demonstrating the power of concise storytelling.

Both students developed their work through multiple drafts, incorporating peer and teacher feedback to refine their writing and strengthen their ideas.

Their recognition highlights Cedar Hill Prep’s focus on writing, critical thinking, and student voice—skills that prepare students to compete and stand out on a global stage.

Cedar Hill Preparatory School is located at 152 Cedar Grove Lane in Somerset.