During the months of April and May, kindergarten students at Birch School learned how to write opinions about their favorite books, characters and authors. The results of their efforts were revealed at the annual Kvintessandro Awards, hosted by teachers Denise Kvint and Traci D’Alessandro.

The event, held on June 13, combined the spirit of the Caldecott Medal (held every year to recognize the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children) with the style and fanfare of the Oscars. Students were joined by their families and school administrators, who gathered in the school’s mini-gym to walk the red carpet, stop for pictures on the step and ultimately unseal envelopes to announce the winning books. Each kindergartener received a golden trophy for all of their hard work!