Less than one year ago, a young man of 13 from Florida named Preston Ray contacted me with questions for a school project. The theme of his project revolved around individuals in history - their actions and legacy. Preston chose to focus on the impact that I was making on the preservation of the Egyptian monuments, and my battles for the return of stolen artifacts to Egypt.

Preston mounted a wonderful exhibit. He and his dad built a large wooden pyramid as the center piece. The exhibit incorporated both the ancient and the modern by presenting hieroglyphic and Arabic script side by side. The students were encouraged to create bookmarks by writing their names inside cartouches on a piece of paper. Preston had also contacted members of my team who were happy to help out.

Preston won first place in his school’s fair. He then progressed to the district level, where he won second place, and prize money of $50 which he generously donated to the SCA to help protect the ancient monuments! Preston is now headed to the state competition to be held in Florida this month. If he wins, the judges will send him to Washington, DC. for the nationals. Lets all wish him the best of luck!!!