Dear Lynnfield Students,
On June 19-21, our town will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States as part of this historic national milestone. As a way to honor this moment, we are creating a time capsule that will be sealed and placed in the ground in front of the new Town Hall, where it will remain until the year 2126. Along with traditional historical items, we want the students of Lynnfield to be part of what we leave behind. We are launching a town-wide self-reflection essay contest for all Lynnfield students.
This is a rare opportunity to be part of Lynnfield’s history. Your essay is not just an assignment. It is a message to the future. It is your chance to share who you are, what matters to you, and what it feels like to grow up in this moment, giving future students a window into today’s world.
We are incredibly excited to invite you into this project, and we look forward to reading the stories, reflections, and insights that only you can offer. Below you will find the contest criteria along with the rules and guidelines.
Sincerely,
Joseph Connell, Co-Chair
Kirk Mansfield, Co-Chair
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Grades 3-4)
150–350 words
Write a self-reflective essay or letter to a future student in Lynnfield who will read it in 2126.
Tell them about you — who you are, what you like, what matters to you, and what your life is like in 2026.
You may choose to write about:
- A Day in My Life
Describe what a regular day looks like for you — school, friends, activities, chores, or time with family. What makes your day special? - What I Love About Being a Kid in 2026
What do you enjoy most right now? This could be games, sports, hobbies, holidays, places you like to go, or anything that makes you happy. - Things in Lynnfield or Our World That Matter to Me
What do you care about in your town, school, or the world? Why is it important to you? - Technology in My Life
How do you use video games, tablets, computers, or phones? What do you like about them? Is there anything you don’t like? - A Message for Kids 100 Years From Now
If kids in the future read your essay, what would you want to tell them about life
today? What do you hope their world is like?
Your letter can be honest, hopeful, funny, or serious, just make sure it sounds like you.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 5-8)
350-600 words
Write a self-reflective essay or letter to a future student in Lynnfield who will read it in 2126.
Describe who you are today and what life is like for someone your age in 2026.
- A Day in My Life
Describe what a regular day looks like for you — school, friends, activities, chores, or time with family. What makes your day special? - A Moment I’ll Always Remember
Write about a memory from school, home, or the community that taught you something important. Why does this moment matter to you? - What It’s Like to Be a Kid in Lynnfield in 2026
What is your daily life like? What do you do for fun? What makes Lynnfield special right now (This gives future students a clear snapshot of the era, without requiring cultural analysis.) - Technology in My Life
How do you use technology for fun, learning, or staying connected? What’s the best part? What’s the hardest part? (This mirrors the high-school theme but in a simpler, concrete way.) - What Friendships Mean to Me
Write about a friendship or group that makes your life better. What do they bring out in you?
Why is it important? - If I Could Tell Kids in 2126 One Thing…
What message, piece of advice, or story would you want to leave for kids who will open the time capsule 100 years from now? - My Hope for the Future
What are your dreams for yourself, your school, your community, or the world?
Focus on being thoughtful and real — your voice and perspective are what make this meaningful.
HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9-12)
600-1,000 words
Write a self-reflective essay or letter to a future student in Lynnfield who will read it in 2126.
Your goal is to capture both who you are and what it means to be a teenager living in 2026.
- Identity, Values, and Growth: Reflect on a moment, experience, or relationship that has shaped who you are today. What have you learned about yourself that you hope people in 2126 will understand?
- Living in 2026: Culture and Worldview: How do today’s music, trends, news, politics, or social issues influence how you see yourself and the world? What feels uniquely “2026” about your experience?
- Technology and the Modern Teen Experience: Describe how technology — social media, texting, gaming, AI, or constant connectivity — affects your friendships, communication, and sense of self. Are there pressures, expectations, or advantages that future generations should know about?
- The Realities of Being a Teenager Today: What challenges do high school students face in this moment in time that adults or future generations might overlook? What feels different compared to what you imagine past generations went through?
- Hopes for the Future: What do you wish for your own future, your community, or the world? If someone in Lynnfield opens this capsule in 2126, what do you want them to know about your hopes, fears, and dreams?
Be honest, reflective, and specific — the more genuine your perspective, the more meaningful this record will be in 2126. Remember, your voice matters — future Lynnfield students will learn from what you write.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• Submissions Due: Jan. 5-Feb. 25, 2026
• Must be original work by the student.
• Typed on archival copy on acid-free paper
• Include:
- Student name
- Grade
- School
- Date
- One sentence granting permission to publish/display
- A photo of the student
• Essays must be submitted to the MAIN OFFICE OF YOUR SCHOOL. There will be a specific box for submissions.
• Winners Announced: First week of June 2026
AWARDS
• Winners:
- (3) Essays will be chosen
- The winning essays will be announced on the town website, social media, and in the local newspapers (Lynnfield Villager and Shoppers News).
- The essays will be printed in the local newspapers (Lynnfield Villager and Shoppers News).
- Recognition at the 2026 celebration
- The essays will be placed in the time capsule, along with the contest winner’s photo.
