Cathleen McKernan, a seventh grader at J.C. Booth Middle School in Peachtree City, never considered herself a gifted writer, but her winning essay on her favorite teacher, Harriette Murray, proved otherwise. She and Murray, a sixth grade science, reading and English teacher at Booth, both hit the jackpot when McKernan's 150-word paper won each of them a new Gateway Desktop Personal Computer.

"Mrs. Murray loved animals and she always made me laugh," McKernan wrote. "Mrs. Murray would always teach us our lessons clearly. Instead of just doing book assignments, she would go out of her way to make her classes challenging and fun.

"To help us remember the important ideas of the chapter, she told us interesting facts to go with the lesson. She would also use many live animals in her classroom as examples for a lesson."

McKernan's heartfelt entry started out as just another assignment in Natalie Field's seventh grade language arts class. "It was not required, but we could earn 100 bonus points," McKernan said. Fields forwarded her students' best papers to Hellmann's, co-sponsors of the contest. McKernan was informed at school of her win and she immediately sought out Murray to tell her. Both teacher and student have received their computers.

"We are honoring Mrs. Murray for being an outstanding teacher who makes learning interesting and challenging and for bringing out the best in her students," said Bill Darley, Hellmann's product manager. "We are recognizing Cathy for writing an excellent essay."

McKernan is a 12-year-old girl with an interest in just about everything, noted Murray. She and Murray share a common interest in animals and a mutual admiration for each other. "Cathy blushes so perfectly," Murray said, as she discussed her winning entry.

McKernan has already set high goals for herself and wants to join the Coast Guard as a pilot when she finishes her education. Her father, Mike, is a former Coast Guard pilot.

McKernan and her mother, Karen, traveled with Murray and members of the Booth science club last spring to "Sea Camp" at Big Pine Key. "We both like to travel," Murray said.

McKernan is an "A" student and plays the French horn in band. She excels in sports and especially enjoys basketball, soccer, softball and tennis.

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