Feb 16th, 2012

LAKE WALES – Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough told a library full of Lake Wales High students today (Feb. 16) that “curiosity is what separates us from the cabbages.”

The prize-winning story teller encouraged his audience of about 100 history students to ask questions, and look for lessons in history to show them how to become leaders.

“Don’t be a spectator in life. Be a participant,” he urged.

McCullough told students that he was an English major in college who “stumbled into history,” and that’s how he began writing about history. He shared the story of how he started researching and writing his first book, The Johnstown Flood. He told other stories about researching books, and how he chose some of his various book subjects.

McCullough has twice received the Pulitzer Prize – for Truman and John Adams – and twice received the National Book Award. Among his other books are 1776, The Great Bridge, and The Johnstown Flood. He has been honored with the President Medal of Freedom. His voice is a familiar fixture on PBS shows like The American Experience, The Civil War and other documentaries.

The speaking engagement at Lake Wales High is part of a year-long series of notable guest speakers arranged by LWHS supporters Serita and Tom McCance. Mr. McCance and McCullough have been friends since their freshman year at Yale, where they met because both their last names started with McC.

PHOTO #1:      Author David McCullough poses with LWHS Principal Donna Dunson before speaking to about 100 students in the school library.

PHOTO #2:      Author David McCullough spent about an hour talking to history students and answering questions about his writing process.