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Shyanne Ninham (left) and Lexi Lorenz get a close up look at the Polly Cooper shawl display by Sheri Beglen.

Seated in the auditorium of Manlius Pebble Hill School in DeWitt, 9-year-old Shyanne Ninham (Turtle Clan) and her friend, Lexi Lorenz, were softly talking as they awaited the guest speaker. The two girls, from the school’s third-fourth grade blended class, were bouncy and giggly enjoying their respite from the usual reading, writing and arithmetic. But as soon as Sheri Beglen (Wolf Clan) ascended the stage, the girls, as well their fellow students, grew quite.

"Storytelling is an important part of the curriculum, and this is a wonderful opportunity to have a story teller visit with Polly Cooper’s real shawl; it is exciting for the kids", said Andrea Danial, principal head of the lower school. "We look forward to this presentation every year."

Sheri offered a brief history of the Oneida Nation to the students from the third/fourth blend and seventh grades, who have been studying American Indians as part of their curriculum. Beginning with Skywoman’s fall from the spirit world onto turtle’s back, Sheri provided a condensed overview of the Creation story. She jumped forward to explain the Oneidas contribution to the Revolutionary War -- fighting on the side of the colonists -- including Polly Cooper’s role.

Assuming the persona of Polly Cooper, Sheri told the children of the Oneida woman’s bravery and compassion, teaching George Washington’s Sheri BeglenSheri Beglensoldiers at Valley Forge how to cook the white corn the Oneidas had brought to aid the starving army. For her selflessness, Polly Cooper was given a shawl by Martha Washington as a token of appreciation.

"Today the shawl is owned by a direct descendant of Polly Cooper’s", said Sheri, as she displayed the shawl to the group. "Polly Cooper would not accept money in payment for helping the soldiers because she believed it was her duty to aid those who are in need."

The assembled students were participating in the annual Polly Cooper Essay Contest sponsored by the Nation. Each student’s response will answer the question: "How did the support of the Oneida Indian Nation during the Revolutionary War change the outcome and the lives of every American today?" Information on Polly Cooper was provided by the Nation. After Sheri’s presentation the students asked questions to further their knowledge of Polly Cooper. The kids’ hunger for information on the topic was insatiable and ran the gamut from asking her date of birth and death to her clan and her Oneida name. Sheri explained that Oneida history is oral and that much has been lost over time, including the answers to the questions the children posed.

The finale of the event was the exhibit of the Polly Cooper shawl, owned by Luella Derrick. Students 'oohed and 'aahed' as they saw the shawl up close. "It was cool because it came from a long time ago", said Lexi. "Very interesting." This was a first-time view of the shawl for Shyanne as well, and she too was appreciative of its appearance. "I’ve seen pictures of the shawl before, but never in person", said Shyanne. "It’s in really good shape."

Shyanne, one 14 Members who attend Manlius Pebble Hill School under a scholarship program provided by the Nation -- and the rest of the group had until Feb. 28 to submit their essay’s for the contest. A winner from each class will be selected in March. Winners will have a choice of a no-face doll or a lacrosse stick, along with a $25 gift certificate from Barnes and Nobles.