The first-, second- and third-place winners of the Club's Field Of Honor “My Hero” essay contest for third and fourth graders in the Poudre School District read their essays during a recent Club meeting.
First-place winner Riley Whitehead, Eyestone Elementary, wrote her “My Hero” essay about her uncle Nick Gaucher who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 11 but who chose to live life fully and not sit on the sidelines. Battling the disease, Nick went skydiving and snowboarding.
“He lost his battle with cancer but his spirit continues to live on within me,” Riley wrote. “I hope to live life to the fullest, just like my uncle once did.”
Riley was presented a certificate of achievement and a check for $100 from the Club.
The mother of Jac Samson, the second-place winner, Olander Elementary, read her daughter's essay for her. Jac is nonverbal and communicates through eye blinks and hand raises. Jac chose her teacher Mr. Morgan Lopotowski as her hero.
“Mr. Morgan takes his time when he talks to me, Jac wrote. “He gives me time to answer and gives me yes or no choices. . . I feel safe with Mr. Morgan because he understands my needs. Mr. Morgan challenges me in my classroom.”
In addition to receiving a certificate suitable for framing, Jac was given a check from the Club for $75.
Placing third among the 260-plus “My Hero” entries was Safa Hamidzai, Rice Elementary. Safa's essay honored her parents.
Safa's first paragraph of her essay stated, “My heroes are my parents because they always smile through tough times and they fought to protect us and our country in war.”
She concluded her essay with “One day I hope to be a hero to others the way that my parents are for me.”
Like the other two winners, Safa received a certificate of achievement. She was also presented with a check from the Club for $50.