Runner-Up Winner • Essay/Short Story • Elementary (1st-5th)
Mariella Vega - Age 9 - New Holland
Jacky and Christy and Their Christmas
Once there were two girls named Christy and Jacky and they always complained that they didn’t get to have Christmas or presents. They had always wanted to see Santa and his reindeer. Jacky said “Let’s stay up and watch for him.” Christy didn’t think it was such a good idea, but she went along with it as usual. On Christmas night, they stayed up as long as their eyes would stay open, but they eventually fell asleep. When they woke up, they were surrounded by a whole bunch of presents! When they ran to wake up their parents, they found them already awake and opening many more presents. They all ran and hugged each other. Ever since that day, they always knew to never complain and to have a thankful heart because good things can happen. You just never know what might come next.