The assignment: Research your family tree and write a story about someone or something in your family history.

Meet Nikki Oliver, the adjudicator.

The adjudicator wants to know: Was the assignment completed on time?

Did you meet the requirements of the assignment?

Were you creative?

What's in the box, Stephannie?

The adjudicator read all the stories.

Some contestants presented their stories on CD as well as in writing.

Nikki Oliver, our adjudicator, says, "Everyone did such a great job!"

Waiting for the judge's decision...

Third prize goes to Stephannie. Congratulations!

Second prize goes to Daryl. Congratulations!

First prize goes to Matthew. You didn't finish on time. You finished EARLY! Congratulations!

Thank you, Nikki Oliver, for judging the Family Tree Contest.

DeVionte and his apple tree.

Click to hear DeVionte's story.

Marisol found out that her family comes from Spain. One of her relatives devised a unique way of ridding a house of cockroaches.

Daryl, his orange tree and a terrific story about Aunt Jo.

Stephannie researched all her relatives in Mexico.

Matthew and his crypt, complete with odiferous smell sac. Pyeww!

Click to hear Matthew's story.

Big thanks to Mr. Gardner who made sure we all did our best. Thank you for the recordings, the artwork and the inspiration.

We finally found out what was in that box.

Thank you, Special Agent Apodaca. Signing off, Special Agent Cornish.