What Sandwich Has Meant To Me

This year, the Friends of the Sandwich Town Archives (FOSTA) awarded two scholarships to graduating Sandwich High School seniors. One of the application criteria was to write an essay on “What Sandwich Has Meant to Me.” We would like to share the two heartfelt essays written by this year’s scholarship recipients, Lauren Frazel and Megan Jakubicka. Congratulations to Lauren and Megan, and we wish the very best to all of Sandwich High School’s 2026 graduates.

FOSTA's scholarship recipients Lauren Frazel (l) and Megan Jakubicka (r).

Lauren Frazel, recipient of the Barbara Luksanen Gill Scholarship

Growing up in Sandwich, I have always felt a deep connection to the place I call home. What is mostly known as the oldest town on Cape Cod is more than a place of history to me, but rather a community that has shaped me into who I am. It has influenced my values and brought light to a sense of belonging.

Sandwich is meaningful to me because of its blend of breathtaking scenery and history. While people might despise the tourists, I actually find beauty in their visits. The appreciation that individuals have for my hometown offers a new perspective to me. What may feel normal and ordinary to someone who lives here can feel unique and special to an outsider. What truly makes Sandwich so special are the reminders of the generations that came before us. These historical landmarks were traditions that built and continue to shape our town. Surrounded by this growing up, enlightened me with a deeper appreciation for the importance of history and community.

Beyond Sandwich’s history, the natural beauty the environment has to give has had an even greater impact on me. From walking along the peaceful shores of the ocean to the bike paths of greenery, nature is always a special place in reach. My most memorable moments have been at my favorite beaches, including Town Neck and Carleton Shores, where the dunes stretch endlessly to the horizon and the crashing sounds of the waves create a sense of calm. These experiences have taught me to slow down and take appreciation in my surroundings, where I am so incredibly lucky to have grown up in this environment.

While the beauty of Sandwich is impactful, what truly defines it for me is the strong sense of community. This small town keeps a close-knit group, where people know each other, support each other, and truly love where they live. Whether it’s through community events, volunteering, or school activities, I have observed firsthand how connected this town is. These experiences have influenced my own commitment to volunteering and service, where I have learned to give back to those who have impacted my life greatly. Growing up in a town where kindness and service are encouraged has a deep value in my heart, shaping my goals for the future.

Living in a smaller community has also changed my perspective greatly. While Sandwich feels comfortable to me, it also greatly encouraged me to look beyond this small town and pursue new opportunities beyond the bridge. This point of view is why I decided to go to college at the University of South Carolina. While it can be scary, I was adamant on trying new things and exploring new opportunities, something that growing up in Sandwich has taught me. It’s allowed me to take new risks, grow, and explore. No matter where life takes me, it is important to stay connected to where I come from, knowing that Sandwich will always stay a part of my identity and life. This is a place where I can return for comfort, support, and a strong sense of community. This is more than just a hometown to me, but rather a foundation for who I am becoming. Sandwich has shaped and molded me into a girl who appreciates her surroundings, connects with her history, and fosters a community. As I move forward into the next chapter of my life, I will carry these lessons and values I have from my upbringing. Sandwich will always be the place that reminds me of where I started and continues to influence where I am going.

Megan Jakubicka, recipient of the Carlo and Margaret Pola Family Scholarship

My deepest Sandwich memory dates back to my childhood years, when I played soccer for the Sandwich Soccer Club. Here, my fellow 10-year-old teammates and I were tasked with choosing a cheer that encapsulates us and motivates us to do better against our rival teams. While there were numerous obvious options, there was only one chant we wanted, passed down from our elder team.

“Peanut butter jelly time! Peanut butter jelly time! Good Sandwich!”

All of us would shout this proudly, unbothered by the bewildered looks from the parents on the sidelines and players on the opposing team. While it certainly brought a chuckle to many, it was the mantra we lived by and one that continues to guide my life today. What seemed like a simple cheer about a beloved sandwich meant something much deeper. It symbolizes the fundamental values of our town: connection and unity.

Sandwich is a unique and special town, built on tight bonds and togetherness. This is consistently proven by generations of residents choosing to return to this remarkable place, choosing Sandwich again and again as the prime place to raise a family. This tradition creates a tightly knit town where everyone shares a deep history and ties with one another.

However, my story is different. I am not part of this large group of generational Sandwich families, as my parents immigrated here alone from Slovakia. While I may lack this origin factor, it has never made me feel like an outsider.

Sandwich has become my family. One that I’ve never had due to my parents’ immigration, separating us from our relatives overseas. But I have never felt lonely. I have never felt like I’m missing something, as I’ve found my own family here. My elderly neighbor has become like my grandmother, spoiling my siblings and me endlessly and offering her wise guidance when needed. My teacher and close family friend has become like my aunt, someone I know will always be there for me, through the good and the bad. Through these relationships, Sandwich has given me a sense of belonging that has fundamentally shaped who I am. This town proves that connections can be stronger than blood.

The support and encouragement I have received from this community have motivated me to give back to the community that has given me so much. Through my involvement with the girls’ soccer team and my leadership in the National Honor Society, as vice president of my class and as vice president of HOSA, I have only begun to learn the values of leadership, service, and responsibility.

Next year, I will be attending the University of New Hampshire, where I plan to major in Health Sciences, and am part of the women’s soccer team; a feat I was only able to achieve due to the connections, mentorship, and values I’ve gained from the remarkable individuals in Sandwich, Massachusetts—a place that has been my sanctuary, forever shaping me and giving me a place to call home.

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The Friends of the Sandwich Town Archives is a dedicated, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting and promoting the archives’ collections and the rich, diverse history of the Town of Sandwich.