Young students learn of a Jockey with an impact on history

BOWLING GREEN Ky.-With the Kentucky Derby right around the corner, some students from T.C. Cherry and McNeill Elementary schools learned about a jockey with quite a journey to the Run for the Roses.

Patsi Trollinger, who is the author of a book called Perfect Timing, came to the schools today to host a writing workshop. It tells the story of jockey Isaac Murphy, who experienced slavery as a child and then became a three-time winning jockey in the Kentucky Derby.

This workshop gave students the opportunity to not only learn a piece of history, but to also help them see the link between researching history and the writing process.

Trollinger explained why the Murphy’s life is a great story for the students.

“Isaac Murphy’s life is kind of perfect for helping kids consider the arc of history. Because his life is well documented from childhood to adulthood, and his life spans in an area of history that they need to learn about,” Trollinger said.

More information on the book Perfect Timing can be found on Trollinger’s website.