Mike Wolfe (left), star of American Pickers, and Jordan A. Kei-Rahn while filming at Antique Archaeology in Nashville, Tenn.

Jordan A. Kei-Rahn, 13, of Longmeadow, Mass., a member of Congregation Beth Israel of West Hartford, has been awarded First Place in the History Channel Essay Contest with American Pickers.  Jordan’s essay submission focused on an antique safe he purchased  – or “picked” – tracing its historical origins back 100 years. Kei-Rahn’s essay was selected from among more than 1500 entries submitted from all across the nation.  His first place win came with a $10,000 cash scholarship, an iPad, and an all-expense paid trip to Nashville, Tenn., where he was featured in a website filming with Mike Wolfe of American Pickers. Kei-Rahn attributed his passion for antiques to his early wanderings with his maternal grandparents, Harriet J. Kei of West Hartford, and Sigmund E. Kei, z”l, and subsequent journeys with his parents and family.