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State Fair

Royal Collection: Lakehill Teacher Wins Blue Ribbon

While living in London in 1982 during her junior year of college, Lakehill Preparatory School English teacher Elizabeth Schmitt purchased a coffee mug commemorating the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, her first royal family souvenir.

Little did she know that, years later, her hobby would earn her a blue ribbon at the State Fair of Texas. Her entry of two plates, one celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and the other the coronation of Edward VIII, earned first place in the Collections category.

“I had many items to choose from, but I selected these two pieces for their age and history. Victoria was the first British monarch to reign over 60 years, and Edward abdicated the throne before his formal coronation.”

Growing up with the same name as the queen of England spurred Schmitt’s interest in British history and the monarchy.

“I added to my collection during vacations to London, and when I lived there while studying for my Masters’ Degree. My late husband found several items for me, including the ones I entered, at local estate sales. Winning the blue ribbon is a tribute to his memory.”

The plates will be on display in the Arts and Crafts building during the State Fair.

Find out more about Lakehill at lakehillprep.org.