45°
After watching three other contestants win $1 million in the Wilton Education Foundations version of Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? the pressure was on John Wiseman. To cope, the Wilton High boys lacrosse coach donned his old Wilton High jersey, and it seemed to do the trick. Wiseman also came up a $1 million winner.
I tell my players to give back to the community, and I had to put my money where my mouth was, he said.
The four contestants in addition to Wiseman, there was Kevin Meehan, Jackie Saltarelli and Kathy Leeds -- did have a little help. Twenty of Wiltons top fifth-graders provided the correct answers when needed.
Keeping the event lively was master of ceremonies Sal Giaimo, who used his quick wit to put the contestants and fifth graders at ease. When Saltarelli expressed concern about messing up in front of Principal Tim Canty, for example, Giaimo said, Youre already in college, who cares? Saltarelli, who won $1 million in her round, will attend the College of Holy Cross in the fall.
Like the television show, the Wilton Education Foundation version included commercials. Three Wilton businesses, Walter Schalks School of Dance, Wilton Sport Shop and Verizon Wireless of Wilton Center, made their pitches between contestants.
The WEF sold out the 850 seat Clune Center at Wilton High School for the fundraiser. The night was a great success, with each $1 million prize equaling a new Smartboard for the Wilton schools.
Did you attend Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? What was your favorite part? Were you able to answer all the questions? Leave a comment below.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wilton and receive free news updates.
