Wednesday, July 30, 2003
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Wednesday, July 30, 2003 |
E. Fayette students win Braves essay contestTwo students inspired by their teachers at East Fayette Elementary School wrote about them in an essay competition sponsored by the Atlanta Braves. Both were selected as finalists and one the eventual grand prize winner. Fifth-grader Mandy Lewis and third-grader Heaven Swygert wrote about teachers Glenna Ross and Carolyn Morris, respectively. The essays were selected first as one of 50 finalists from hundreds submitted by elementary students throughout metro Atlanta. Mandy's essay was choosen as the grand prize winner. "She said a lot of really great things about her teacher. That is why the committee chose her essay as the overall winner," said Brian Carter of the Atlanta Braves Community Relations Department. The students entered into the competition after the ball club hosted its Grand Slam Program at the school last fall, which featured interactive activities and appearances by Braves characters. At the end of the program, each student received a Funbook that included a section where they could enter an essay contest by writing about their favorite teacher. Mandy says she did not enter the contest to compete, but rather because she loves to write and it gave her an opportunity to tell about a teacher that had made a major impact on her life. "When I decided to do this, I knew I had to write about Mrs. Ross. She was a hard and pushy teacher who wanted me and other kids to know that you have to work hard in life to get what you want," said Mandy. In her essay she writes, "I remember the same thing she always said to us was, 'You can make a mistake on a project but you can't make a mistake on your hard work at life.' "She made me realize that I should never give up on my dream; if I fall down, I should pick myself up. You should tell your friends, your family, even your kids about that one special person in your life that showed you that working hard will give you an award and there's no such thing of giving up. All thanks to Mrs. Ross, thank you for helping me." Both Mandy and Heaven were treated to an Atlanta Braves game July 20. Beforehand, they attended a pre-game party with Atlanta Braves players in attendance. Mandy received a special on-field recognition as the grand prize winner and was presented with a $100 check from Wachovia Bank. Mandy says she plans to spend half the money to purchase clothes for back-to-school and the rest will be placed in her savings account for college. Although she will just be entering the sixth grade at Fayette Middle this year, she says she has already decided on a career. "I think I want to become an emergency veterinarian," Mandy said as she remembered her favorite teacher's words about hard work and never giving up on dreams.
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