Gum Tree Writing 20120512

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GUM TREE WRITING CONTEST

| FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

DAILY JOURNAL

Everyone Has A Story To Tell

by Amy Wyatt

“Stories happen to people who tell stories.” No truer words have ever been spoken.

Since hearing these words several years ago at a writing conference, I have often revisited the saying in my mind. I am blessed with so many storytellers in my life – my parents, friends, colleagues, and of course, my students. I have come to realize that incredible things do happen to ordinary people, and more often than not, ordinary things can become incredible stories. So, doesn’t everyone have a story to tell? I think the answer is a definite “Yes!” Earlier this year, my students and I read a book called Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry. In this funny book, students are introduced to Gooney Bird Greene, a wonderful second-grade storyteller. Gooney Bird is new to her school, and her peers are mesmerized by her tales, such as “The Prince, the Palace, and the Diamond Earrings” and a cat that is consumed by a cow. (The cat admired the cow rather than was eaten by the cow.) I love to use this book with students because it teaches them many elements of story-telling. For example, it talks about choosing a title, characters, and dialogue. Most importantly, Gooney Bird Greene teaches students that everyone has a story to tell.

During the time we were reading this together, my husband, my daughter, and I went to the Memphis Zoo. My daughter is eighteen months old and has a doll she calls “Naked Baby.” She carries this doll everywhere. Soon after our arrival at the zoo, Naked Baby took a swim in the flamingo pond. We attracted a lot of attention that day.

It was quite dramatic, and I knew right then and there that this story would have to be told. My students rolled with laughter as I told them the story of “How Naked Baby Fell in the Flamingo Pond.” Though they thought it was funny, they got the message: Stories

happen to people who tell stories. If a writer stays aware, finding material to write about is almost an everyday occurrence.

Our entries this year are shining examples of this truth. Poems, narratives, and essays abound with evidence that our young writers are looking for inspiration in many different areas. We have entries about fun experiences like making pancakes and entries about devastating events, such as the Holocaust or losing a loved one. Even fictional pieces were sparked by something!

The process of choosing winning entries and publishing them has many steps. It began in February when representatives from schools all over Lee County were contacted to serve as building-level coordinators. The coordinators passed along information about the contest, including rules and timelines.

Later, at the end of March, they were responsible for collecting students’ papers and delivering them to my school.

All this work was leading up to a very important date – judging day! I was humbled to work with so many talented people willing to spend the day at the Hancock Leadership Center in order to complete the daunting task of reading hundreds of worthy entries and narrowing them down to the small group of exceptional poems, stories, and essays that are included here. That morning began by organizing the massive stacks of papers by grade level and type of writing. Next, each piece of writing was detached from its coversheet and assigned a number. The coversheet would need to be reattached when judging was over and the paper returned to the rightful owner.

After the organizing was over, groups of judges began reading entries from their assigned grade level. The judges worked diligently until a first, second, and third place for each category was chosen. In many cases, a

tie was granted. When the day was over, eighty awards were given!

The judges then helped tremendously by typing many of the entries and addressing envelopes so letters of congratulation could be mailed to the winners, along with a letter granting permission to publish the student’s writing and picture. I can’t say thank you enough to those volunteers for this assistance!

When all of the entries and photographs were completed, I emailed each grade level to the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal’s office. At that point, the employees there began the process of putting together this supplement. I’m so thankful to them, because these students deserve a chance to share their voices. It is no small thing that readers all over Northeast Mississippi will get to experience and enjoy these stories, essays, and poems.

This year’s Gum Tree Writing Contest will come to a close on Mother’s Day at 4:00 p.m.

The students will be honored for their hard work during a ceremony held during the Gum Tree Festival. After reading their writing, I can’t wait to award these wonderful storytellers! I invite you to join us.

Who Will Be Our Next

John Grisham?

Come by Reed’s GumTree Bookstore to see the winning entries of the GumTree Writing Contest.

Congratulations to our young writers!

Reed’s GumTree Bookstore Historic Downtown Tupelo 842-6453 • www.reedsms.com reedsgumtree

Where Writers and Readers Meet in Tupelo

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KINDERGARTEN - NARRATIVE/ESSAY 1

Enoch Caviness

First Place – Narrative/Essay Kindergarten Saltillo Primary School

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McKenzie Finley

Second Place – Narrative/Essay Kindergarten Tupelo Christian Preparatory School

“My New Dad” My mom met my dad at my mom’s work.

I never had a dad. But now my mom and dad got married.

I love having a dad. He has tea parties with me. He watches over me and my mom. We have a happy family!

Julia Jane Averette

First Place- Poetry Kindergarten Tupelo Christian Preparatory School

Second Place Tie – Poetry Kindergarten Mooreville Elementary School “Beluga Whale” Beluga Whale is as white as snow.

It has a hole to blow.

It lives in the ocean and swims slow.

When it is dark it can glow.

I like to see them swim in a row.

FIRST GRADE - POETRY

“My Favorite Things”

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Of all the things I could choose Butterflies, dogs, and rainbow shoes.

These are my favorite things.

I also like pink glittery rings.

I don’t like boys that are mean Or eating a rotten bean.

I don’t like the sound of trains.

And today I had stomach pains.

But I like to take trips And have makeup on my lips.

I like strawberries and blueberries too.

And being together, me and you.

First Place – Poetry First Grade Tupelo Christian Preparatory School

We are proud of you!

Happy 6th Birthday today!

Eli Owens

“Happy and Sad” Sadness, sadness Sadness is everywhere Sadness is losing Sadness is getting hurt Sadness is being sad

Love, Mom, Dad and Sid

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Charlie Gratz

Third Place – Narrative/Essay Kindergarten Carver Elementary School “The Sun” “Splinter”

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Hayden Tindall

KINDERGARTEN - POETRY 4

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Great job, Charlie!

We are all so proud of you!

“Little Hands, Big Plans” The motto at my school is “Little Hands, Big Plans.” I am small but I can do many things. The most important thing is that I can learn. I can be anything when I grow up if I learn. I can be a race car driver or an architect or a computer programmer or a football player. I do not know what I want to be when I grow up but I have a long time to think about it.

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

Happiness, happiness Happiness is everywhere Happiness is finding Happiness is getting better 5 Happiness is sharing Laura Robertson Happiness, happiness Second Place Tie – Poetry Kindergarten 8 Mooreville Joseph Henry Elementary School Second Place – Poetry First Grade Tupelo Christian Preparatory School

The sun is bright.

I am never telling my mom about my It shines with all its might. splinter. She might try to get it out. I God gave us the sun. know its going to fall out because it’s already poking out. Mom tried to get one I like to have fun. out of Lucy’s foot. That’s how she got mono.

“Animals” Animals are fun.

Animals are cool.

Continued on page 4

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GUM TREE WRITING CONTEST

DAILY JOURNAL

GUM TREE WRITING CONTEST

| FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

Animals can do tricks.

Animals can dance.

Animals can swim.

Animals can sleep.

Animals have long necks.

Animals have short necks.

dark. The moon was shining bright.

There was a spooky hand. We all tried to get candy, but the hand would not let us.

So we rang the doorbell, and the nice lady opened the door. I said, “Do we get candy out of the bucket?” She said, “Yes.” Then we walked home.

Animals are cool!

Animals are fun!

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Cole Koslo

Second Place – Narrative/Essay First Grade Carver Elementary School

We love you and are very proud of you!

Mama, Daddy, Sissy, Matt, Mamaw, Papaw, Granny, and Grandmother

Third Place – Poetry First Grade Tupelo Christian Preparatory School

“Fly Kite” I like to fly my kite.

I run with it day and night!

I fly it over the trees!

I pull it in the breeze.

I fly it in the sky! I fly it way up high.

Congratulations, Seth!

We love you and are so proud of you.

Love, Dad, Mama & Solomon.

Colossians 3:23

FIRST GRADE - NARRATIVE/ESSAY

First Place – Narrative/Essay First Grade Saltillo Primary School “Trick or Treating”

Kye, I am so proud of you. You continue to amaze me daily.

“My Fishing Buddy”

My fishing buddy has a new fishing SECOND GRADE - POETRY boat. The boat colors are red, white, and black. It goes very fast, and it feels like 13 you are riding in a jet. My fishing buddy and I go fast because we want to have fun, Luke Carpenter and we want to get to a good fishing place First Place - Poetry first before everyone else comes.

Second Grade My fishing buddy is Marty. He takes Joyner Elementary me deer hunting, too. One time we saw a School buck, a red fox, and four wild turkeys!

Marty is funny! He makes me laugh and says lots of funny things. He tries to race me, and it’s funny, too. He runs so slow that it makes me laugh!

One time we went fishing. We found a “Bulldog Poem” place in the sun. I used a lizard to catch Mississippi State is my favorite team. my fish. Together, we caught nineteen Watching them play is like a dream. fish that day!

Marty is my best fishing buddy.

When they score, I shout and scream.

I ring my cowbell with a gleam.

Cole, we are super proud of you!

Love, Mom and Dad

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Meredith “Riley” Winters

of sharks. The biggest shark is the Whale Shark. The smallest shark is the Pygmy Shark. The deadliest shark is the Great White. Sharks have ruled the sea for four hundred years. Sharks can live up to ninety-eight or one hundred years. Whale Sharks can weigh up to one hundred thirty-one tons. Sharks eat dolphins, orcas, crabs, fish, seabirds, and whale carcasses.

A Megalodon can be two hundred or two hundred two tons. Megalodons’ teeth can be four or six inches. Thank you God for sharks.

I love you, Mamma

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Seth Smith

DAILY JOURNAL

Their colors are maroon and white, We yell for them to fight, fight fight.

Game day traditions are tons of fun.

We eat good food and laugh in the sun.

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Kye Scott

Third Place – Narrative/Essay First Grade Tupelo Christian Preparatory School

One spooky night, I was trick or treating. I was very excited. Sissy was a beautiful princess. Rachel was a clicken clack- “Sharks” en witch. I was a mean leopard. We got Sharks are amazing creatures for the lots and lots of candy. Everybody did. We ocean.

There are over four hundred types went to lots and lots of houses. It was

Someday I will go there for my degree.

I’ll be their number one fan - just wait and see!

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Lindley Gibens

Second Place Poetry Second Grade Joyner Elementary School

“Words” I wonder why words are called words.

I wonder why, why is called why, And how words became words, and why the skies are blue.

We always love to jump and sing, Sometimes we even play Queen and King.

Now the time has come, she must leave.

I will always love her, and she’ll come back, I believe.

You make us so proud, Mamie!

We love you!

Mama, Daddy, Lilla and Katie Bell

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Dayla Anderson

And why the birds chirp, and why the water’s wet, and why the plants grow.

And some of those answers, even our parents and grandparents do not even know.

I just wonder why the wind blows.

I wonder why the flowers grow.

The only reason we are here today, is that God is with us day and night, to help us with those dreams and frights.

So, if you’re feeling bad or sad, know that God is with you.

Third Place Tie Poetry Second Grade Parkway Elementary School

“My Dog” He started as a puppy But grew very fast.

First he was small Then tall at last!

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

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kick it, it will run away with you. I had to ride this one because all the rest don’t know to walk. I asked them if I could run it, but they were afraid I would fall. I rode around a little. I got off the horse, walked to the gate, and went through three gates to get to a pony. To ride the pony, you had to ride bareback. My brother and I decided to have a contest to see who could stay on the pony the longest. You have to hold on to its mane and tuck your feet under the pony. I had to ride the pony through the gates to the pasture. I fell off the first time I tried because I did not know how to hang on. But the next time I got on, I knew what to do, and I rode for a long time.

Guess who stayed on the longest? It was me. I hope I can do this again soon.

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Caitlyn Carnathan

Second Place Narrative/Essay Second Grade Saltillo Primary School

“The Year I Had Surgery!”

When I was four years old, I had to go We are proud of you! to Arkansas to have surgery on my head.

The big dog used to bite me When I was born I had a bump on my My aunt would make him stop.

Love, Mama, Daddy, Ben, Walker & He got to come inside head, and it turned out to be an infected Maggie angel kiss. No hair would grow there, When he made a mess, I’d mop. nothing would. My brother was about to turn one. When we got there they told us I was always kind, what to do and what not to do. One of the And he would play with me.

15 things we had to do was take all of the finday he went away Mamie McGraw One gernail polish off and take a bath. One of Mom said he wanted to run free.

Third Place Tie the things we shouldn’t do is drink after Poetry midnight. They said to be ready at 6:00 to Second Grade SECOND GRADE - NARRATIVE/ESSAY have the surgery. We got up at 5:00 in the Lawhon Elementary morning to be ready. They knocked on the School door and told my Mom and Dad to come 17 with me. When we got in the other room Jamison Parker they gave me some medicine. It was called First Place goofy juice. When I was half asleep and Narrative/Essay “Hudson’s Here” half awake I told my Mom, “Why do you Second Grade have one eye?” And I told Dad, “Why do Hudson’s coming on a plane.

Saltillo Primary you have two noses?” The nurse pulled I’m so excited, it’s a little insane.

School me out, and I started crying until I was all I hear the door bell, the way asleep. The surgery took about 20 She must be here! to 50 minutes. I came out with a cast on I hear her yell, my head. I had to wear the cast for two She is probably near! days. I could not go anywhere for two “Riding Horses” weeks. When I could get out of the house She runs to me with great joy.

One time I went to my stepdad’s my Mom asked me where I wanted to go Now, I can give her the new toy! friend’s house. I couldn’t wait until I could and I said to visit my friends at daycare, I feel the excitement in our hearts. ride the horse. This horse has two gears.

I just can’t stand the thought of being When you get on, it will walk and if you Continued on page 6 apart.

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GUM TREE WRITING CONTEST

DAILY JOURNAL

GUM TREE WRITING CONTEST

| FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

which was called Oakmont. So when we got there, we played a little, and then we got through. Then my Mom asked me again where I wanted to go, and I said to take my picture with the Easter bunny.

When we got done, we went to the food court in the mall to eat lunch. Before my Mom could say anything, I said I wanted to go home to take a nap. When I woke up, I had a surprise. My grandparents were there, and we ate supper with them. That night I spent the night with my Mamaw Linda that Friday night. That morning when I woke up, I smelled cinnamon rolls.

I got up fast, and I ate three of the cinnamon rolls. I put my clothes on after my bath and went to Tellini’s to eat lunch with my brother Cody, my mama, and my grandmother Mamaw Linda. Then we went back to Arkansas to take my stitches out, but my staples were not ready to take out yet, so we put my cast back on. We waited for two weeks to take my staples out. My Dad is an occupational therapist, and he took my staples out for me.

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Nicholas Gransinger

Third Place Narrative/Essay Second Grade Parkway Elementary School

THIRD GRADE - POETRY 20

Avery Tate

First Place – Poetry Third Grade Lawhon Elementary School

When I hip hop, I like to groove.

When I hip hop, I’m on the move.

People say dancers are light on their feet.

All I need to dance is any kind of beat.

Congratulations, Sarah Claire!

Love, Mama, Mary Catherine, Daddy and Mom Lois

“Ms. Griffin” Lovable, Companionable, Fit to be your guide, Huggable, Squeezable, Not one to leave your side, Ms. Griffin is one who knows a plenty, She can do a great handful with twenty, Kids, they’re what she loves the most, Not a big ol’ juicy roast, Not a trip to the coast, I know because I love her, too, She is special to me…..and you!

We are proud of you!

Love, Mama, Daddy & Walker

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Audraya Garmon

Third Place – Poetry Third Grade Rankin Elementary School

“Spring’s Belongings” Trees’ leaves blowing in the breeze.

Butterflies’ wings flutter in the spring.

Birds’ nests where the little birds rest.

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Tadpoles’ frogs sit on their big logs.

Second Place – Poetry Third Grade Lawhon Elementary School

Ladybugs’ polka dots blend in with their hiding spots.

Sarah Claire Miller

“One Kick Too Many” Once upon a time in a school classroom there was a round, green table. I sat kicking the legs of the table with my legs waiting for recess to come! I just remember the last kick. Little did I know the table was magic. It started to spin like a tornado. My classmates and I figured out how to drive the table. We all worked together spinning the table like a clock. In no time we landed on the best playground. We left the table and off we ran. As it started to get late, we looked for our table. We started to spin it the opposite of the clock. We hoped it would take us back to school. It worked, and we landed back in the classroom. Our teacher never missed us. When she said, “Time for recess,” I was tired. I didn’t even go. I never again kicked the table. Now I save my energy for a real recess with all my friends.

DAILY JOURNAL

“Just Dance” I can dance all day.

I can dance all night.

Dancing makes me feel alive.

When I dance ballet, I’m as graceful as a swan.

I just want to move along.

I can dance all day.

I can dance all night.

Nothing else makes me feel this right.

I can move all day.

I can move all night.

I can step to the left.

I can step to the right.

Earth’s worms slither and squirm.

Honeysuckles’ blooms smell sweet in my room.

Sunshine’s heat warms my cold and bare feet!

THIRD GRADE - NARRATIVE/ESSAY 23

Zachary Crawford

First Place Narrative/Essay Third Grade Saltillo Elementary School Continued on page 7

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“Trip and Golden’s Adventure” Once there was a boy named Trip. He had a dog named Golden. Golden and Trip were best friends. They would play together, read books, and pretend they were pirates. One night Trip was reading a book called, The Pirate’s Treasure. He was flipping through pages, when something caught his eye. He saw a page that read, “Where Pirates Buried Their Treasure.” It said, “Long ago there were three groups of pirates. Each group buried their treasure in a different place. Then they all joined together to make a map which they hid in the USA. They wouldn’t tell anyone where it was hidden. If anyone finds the three treasures and map, they’ll unlock a special secret.”

The next morning, Trip and Golden started digging in their yard for the map.

They worked all day. Their mom called them in for supper. Trip went inside, but Golden kept digging. The next day, when Trip got up, he saw Golden with a small piece of paper in his mouth. Trip snatched the piece of paper from him. It was the map! Trip said, “We should go start looking for the treasure.” They got food, water and pencils and started their journey.

The first treasure was in a place called The Cave of Temptation. There were two paths - one bright path with gold and warmth, and another dark and cold path.

Trip didn’t know which way to go, but Golden did. They ran down the cold, dark path. At the end was a small bronze shield. Trip put it in his pack. They hurried out of The Cave of Temptation.

Next, they went to the Waterfall of Mysteries. Trip saw the waterfall open. He and Golden got in just in time. Again, there were two paths - a straight path and a crooked path. Trip looked at the map.

They went straight. It was an easy path. At the end was a silver spear. They raced out of the waterfall.

They looked at the map again. They were near the last treasure. It was in The Valley of Skulls. There were skeletons all over. Trip noticed one that had a sign. It read, “Choose the right path.” This time there were three paths: a dark, scary path, a path with treasure down it, and a path with nothing. They went down the path with nothing. At the end was a golden statue. Trip said, “No riches, no money.”

Then, he remembered what the book said, “Special secret.” He put all the treasures together. Then, he saw a little bag pop out of the ground. There was money and gold in the bag. They ran out of the Valley of Skulls and ran home.

GUM TREE WRITING CONTEST

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

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They went in and poured the money back at this paper, I guess I like something and gold on the ground. They did it! They about all the seasons! made history. Trip took a piece of gold and We are so proud of you, Jordyn! You inspire us hid it in his yard for the next person to all with your hard work, dedication, and big have. heart!

The End We love you! Love, Momma, Daddy, Jaxon, Nana & Papaw

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Jordyn Smith

Second Place Narrative/Essay Third Grade Rankin Elementary School

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John Braxton Daughdrill

Third Place Narrative/Essay Third Grade Rankin Elementary School

“Seasons” Today I was trying to think of my favorite season. All of a sudden, spring popped into my mind. I walked outside and felt air that was not too hot and not too cold. I noticed the leaves had come back, the grass had turned green and flowers had started to bloom. What a beautiful day! It also reminded me that Easter is coming soon and I’ll get to hunt eggs.

Then comes summer! I get out of school and get to sleep late. Once I wake up, I go play softball. It is my favorite sport because it’s the only sport I play! I also like to go swimming at my granddad's house.

That’s where I learned how to swim when I was five years old. I notice people start cutting their grass. I love the smell of fresh cut grass! Butterflies, ladybugs, and bees come out, too! The best thing about summer is that my birthday is in July. I can’t wait to be nine!

Then there’s fall! In fall, leaves drift to the ground and turn red yellow, orange, and brown. I like to ride down the Natchez Trace and look at them. Fall is when I go back to school. Football season starts. The weather gets cooler, and I have to wear a jacket. Of course, a very important part of fall is Thanksgiving. You get to visit with friends and family and eat a lot of yummy food. It is celebrating the Pilgrims’ feast.

Finally, it is winter. Winter is very cold.

It snows a lot and sometimes freezes lakes or makes the roads closed. You can build snowmen, have a snowball fight or even drink some hot chocolate! The greatest of all things is Christmas. You can give gifts and spend time with family and friends.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead after three days for our sins.

Jesus is God’s only child. Well, when I look

“Fangzilla” It was a peaceful summer day in the city of Tupelo. Children were playing outside, and adults were working. The sky was bright with the hot sun shining everywhere. There was not a cloud in the sky.

But, minutes later, the sky grew dark and everyone heard a loud roar. At first nobody cared because they thought it was a lion at the Buffalo Park. Right about then, a boy went outside and saw the most horrifying creature know to mankind, the dreadful Fangzilla!

The boy ran inside and told his parents. They went outside and saw the mighty beast. They called the police department and told them what they saw.

The police called the Army. At once, they came to stop this giant lizard.

Fangzilla grabbed one of the soldiers and threw him so far he landed on top of the Lee County Courthouse! He grabbed the Army’s P-40 War Hawk plane and threw it like a toy. He squished their tanks like Play Dough!

One of the soldiers ran undercover and called the President. The President told the Marines to bring their biggest guns.

But Fangzilla was unstoppable! No one knew what to do. Finally, someone had an idea. They called the President to send the biggest plane. When the plane landed, the

Way to go, John Braxton! God has great plans for you!

Love, Mom & Dad Continued on page 8

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DAILY JOURNAL

GUM TREE WRITING CONTEST

| FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

28 Matthew Byrd Third Place - Poetry Fourth Grade Mooreville Elementary School

people spotted Fangzilla on the Country Club Road. The pilots built a robot to fly the plane. When the robot was settled in the pilot's seat, the plane took off and destroyed Fangzilla. It had been a TERRIFYING day in Tupelo, Mississippi!

FOURTH GRADE - POETRY 26 Maury Johnston First Place - Poetry Fourth Grade Lawhon Elementary School

“Camille” My name is in her honor.

She’s gone forever more.

When I think about her, My heart gets very sore.

I never got to meet her, But I know she would be great.

I wish I could take one glance, But now it is too late.

She is my mom’s sister, We loved her very much.

I’ll never get to know her.

I’ll never get one touch.

Now she’s up in heaven.

I know she’s happy there.

Though we never get to see her, I know she’s everywhere.

“The Country Boy” Mississippi, Mississippi, You have a little city, But a whole lot of country.

Fishing for catfish, Or hunting for deer, I’ll never be a city boy Just fishing for catfish And hunting for deer.

I’ll always be a country boy.

Congratulations, we are very proud of you.

Love You, Mamma & Daddy

FOURTH GRADE - NARRATIVE/ESSAY 29 Jolia Pongetti First Place – Narrative/Essay Fourth Grade Rankin Elementary School

27 Hailey Scruggs “Kid’s First Flight” Second Place "One day two little girls named Jill and Poetry Sue walked along the dandelion fields.

Fourth Grade “Wouldn’t it be so cool to fly into the Lawhon Elementary air?”

Sue asked Jill.

School Jill replied, “Oh, yes it would. We might even meet a bird up there!”

Sue said, “Silly, birds can’t talk.” She “Fade Away” sighed, “If only humans could fly.”

Sitting on a cloud, Sue looked disappointed. Jill looked Dreaming as the stars blink their eyes. sad too. “I guess it’s time to go back to -” I think I’m starting to fade away.

“Chirp. Chirp. Hi, kids!”

Someone finally notices me; The two girls looked up, down, an all I begin to stop fading. around. “Who was that?” they both said He holds my hand and says, together.

“You’re perfect just the way you are.”

“I am up here!” They looked up like I started to fade when he left. the voice said. A beautiful, bright blue He made my day, bird with silky wings was looking at them.

Fade away.....

“My name is Chirp,” the bird said sweetly.

DAILY JOURNAL

“Hi, Chirp! Hey Sue, you said birds couldn’t talk!” Jill said.

“I didn’t know! My mommy told me!”

Sue replied.

“Settle down, children!” Chirp said loudly to calm them down. “I heard you girls talking. I am the strongest bird in my flock. I can try to carry ya’ll around wherever ya’ll want!”

“Cool!” Jill said. “Let’s go!” Sue added.

They hopped on Chirp and she took off!

“Chirp, you make it look so easy,” one of the girls said. They flew, and flew, and came up to somewhere unexpected. It was two pointy mountains. “Ahhh!!!” they all screamed.

“Pinch yourselves!” Chirp yelled.

“Why?” they both said.

“Just do it!” Chirp yelled again. So they did.

They both woke up. It was only a dream.

30 Taylor Chapman Second Place – Narrative/Essay Fourth Grade Pierce Street Elementary School

“My Favorite Summer Day” In the summer of 2006, a soft, crisp breeze whispered across the backyard.

My brothers, my cousins, and I were letting our imaginations run wild while pretending to be Power Rangers, fighting the treacherous forces of evil! While we were being awarded for defeating the treacherous forces of evil and were being alerted because another villain was on the move, my cousin, Amelia, came out of the house and did our secret sign language that we made up. First, I was puzzled because I was forgetful and didn’t remember what the motion was. Then I realized that the motion she was doing was the motion for “come here.” When I got over there, Amelia said, “Hey, Taylor! Grab your shoes and get into the car. We’re going on an awesome day out!” She saw that I was flummoxed, and since I was four, she had to use different grammar. She told me to get on my socks and shoes. I told her I couldn’t tie my shoes, so she tied them for me. Afterwards, we jumped into the car and buckled up. First, we went out for ice Continued on page 9

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cream. We got triple diple scoops. I got chocolate chip cookie dough, royal caramel chocolate, and chocolately swirly swirls. Amelia got what I got except for chocolately swirly swirls. After getting ice cream, we went to the mall. At the mall, we rode the carousel, played in the jump houses, and went to Chuck E. Cheese.

Then it got even better! Amelia’s phone rang. She talked for five minutes. I know because I looked at her watch while she talked. When she hung up, she said that we could go to (sorry if it sounds like I’m screaming it) Incredible Pizza!

At Incredible Pizza we rode the go-carts (we won the Go-Carts Olympics) and played laser tag (we won that too). We rode bumper cars and played mini golf (I hit the ball too hard, and it hit a security guard. We had to hide from him.) After that, we ate and talked, and she said she had fun. After we finished eating, we finally came home licking ice cream cones. After the adults reminded me 1,000,000 times, I said thank you and while Amelia started chatting with a bunch of adults, I went back to my Power Ranger game to defeat the treacherous forces of super villains and being awarded and alerted. My time with Amelia was very special!

31 Caleb Ball Third Place – Narrative/Essay Fourth Grade Pierce Street Elementary School

“Agatha and the Mirror” Agatha was looking in the mirror, and suddenly she remembered all the ugly things everybody said about her. People called her “Ragathy Agathy” making fun of her clothes. Fat, ugly, and stupid were the usual comments. She wondered whey she couldn’t be like Kennedy. Kennedy had beautiful blonde hair. Agatha felt like she had rags for hair. Kennedy’s parents spent as much money as needed to have her in the best clothes. She always had straight As on her report card. The best Agatha could hope for were Cs and Ds. Agatha’s dad was never too encouraging after her mom died. He always said she didn’t try hard enough, but Agatha knew she did.

Agatha remembered the words of her

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mom. She said if you want to accomplish your dreams, you have to work hard, and a good education is a good start to a successful life. She missed her mom really bad. Agatha thought about her mom fixing her hair, and the long days they shopped for stylish clothes. Some days Agatha wished she could be better off with mom: Dead! She often thought about different ways of ending this life and going to be with her mom. If only her mom was here.

That was the year Agatha met Ms. Willis. Ms. Willis sounded just like her mom. Ms. Willis was very encouraging.

She said, “Work hard, and try your best.

That’s all that matters.” Agatha remembered her mom’s words: all I care about is how hard you try. This was the turning point for Agatha.

Twenty years later, Agatha was staring in a mirror when she heard “Agatha, they need you on the set. They’re ready for the next scene.” Agatha finally achieved her goal in life: to be an actress!

33 Quarneisha Gray Second Place – Poetry Fifth Grade Lawndale Elementary School

FIFTH GRADE - POETRY 32 Erykah Williams First Place – Poetry Fifth Grade Lawndale Elementary School

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“Spring” On one spring day, everything natural begins to blossom In Mother Nature's own unique way.

The trees wave at the glistening sun Who peaks her head over the horizon to start the day.

The colorful flowers Smell like sweet honey dew.

The birds fly and sing In the sky of blue.

The busy bees buzz around the bustling hive As a legion of insects paces the ground.

The butterflies flutter their graceful wings While the wind whistles a beautiful sound.

The rain dampens the peaceful mood As the sky turns into gray.

A rainbow suddenly steals the sight On one spring day.

34 Rosie McWhirter Third Place Tie – Poetry Fifth Grade Lawndale Elementary School

“The Life of Dutch” BARK! BARK! BARK! That's the sound I hear Coming from the neighbor's dog Who is very, very near.

There's never any peace Because of this dog, Dutch.

He's suffering without love And needs a gentle touch.

When I'm walking out the door, He looks with a grin and stare.

He's tied up with a rope and chain As if saying no one cares!

Night and day, and day and night, Neighbors listened to him howl.

It sounded eerie like the wind.

Dutch just needed a friendly pal Finally, children from the neighborhood Gave Dutch the attention he deserved.

The loved, played, and petted him.

Never again was his bark heard!

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“God Whispers” Once upon a time A beautiful girl was born, But from her Mother's arms She was quickly torn.

But God whispered softly To a family far, far away "Your daughter is here, And I'll make a way."

They had plenty of love, But hope was quickly crushed Although they wanted her home Their need for money stopped their rush.

But God patiently Whispered "Never give up on my plan See, that baby sweet story Continued on page 10

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Is securely in my hand."

As days went on The family finally got a call To get their baby girl There were happy after all.

And with a boom the door closed They set off to get their baby girl With love and smiles ready to give They were ready to change her world.

35 Jordyn Wyms Third Place Tie – Poetry Fifth Grade Rankin Elementary School

“December” December brings fun times to play.

More people, more family everyday.

Time off school. Time to relax.

Time to watch T.V. and lay on your back.

Presents to rip open, laughing and playing.

“I love all my presents,” people are saying.

Shopping for people that make my life great, But there is so much love I can take.

The stores are packed and almost wiped out.

Now that toys are on sale, everything is so loud.

Nothing for my family. It’s stressful, it’s true.

But December, December, I love you.

FIFTH GRADE - NARRATIVE/ESSAY 36 Maria Kaltchenko First Place Narrative/Essay Fifth Grade Pierce Street Elementary

“The Challenges of Life” It was October 30th. Cold and gloomy it was, too. My brothers and I were sitting on the family couch, unaware of the shocking words that were to be spoken a few moments later. With a pale, tearstained face, our mother came to tell the upsetting news. “Your grandpa, my father,

died earlier today,” she said, trying to keep her trembling voice steady and smooth.

“WHAT?” my brothers screamed simultaneously. I was speechless for a very long time.

Next Sunday our church comforted us, saying a quiet well-spoken prayer. Our good friend Margaret Ann offered her sympathy, too.

My mom’s cheeks regained their color, my brothers‘ faces lost their worry, and my face softened.

Although our beloved grandpa’s place can never be replaced, as Scarlet said from Gone With The Wind, “Tomorrow is another day!”

This challenge compares to Ruby Bridges in Norman Rockwell’s The Problem We All Live With in many different ways. Both challenges let down and saddened us. Both problems seemed to push us over with a mammoth force.

Lastly, both issues were dealt with until a resolution was found. My challenge as well as Ruby’s wasn’t simple, and we both had to try getting over it, and we did, at the end.

37 Reese Ott Second Place Narrative/Essay Fifth Grade Mooreville Elementary School

“A Day at Smith Lake” Drop, drop, drop. That’s the sound the fish made on a hot summer day at Smith Lake. My dad, my sister, and I were at Smith Lake with a truckload of friends last summer. It was blazing hot, and we all had our swimming suits on ready to go!

“Crank!” went the boat motor as Luke, my dad’s friend, cranked it up. “But wait!” one of our friends said, “We need to hook up the inner tube.” So there we go flying like a bird in the sky. Hitting the waves, swerving all around the world! But then we come to a stop. What stands in front of us is a cliff that looks as if it touched the sky! “Yay!” yelled the kids. And as we all swam over to the rope that led up to the top, I got a queazy feeling. When we all got up, butterflies were dancing in my stomach. I looked down and almost threw up! Finally, it was my turn, I went with my gut, and I jumped! My stomach felt like it came out of my body! When I

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hit the water, I felt a relief and wanted to do it again and again! When we had to leave, I was very sad, and I can’t wait to go back again.

38 Sara Francis Wolfe Third Place Tie Narrative/Essay Fifth Grade Rankin Elementary School

“The Christmas Feeling” “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”

-Calvin Coolidge I think Calvin Coolidge means that Christmas is like a feeling. You can have that incredible feeling all year long. It really doesn’t matter what time of year Christmas is when it can be here whenever you want it to be. Christmas is about giving and happiness. If you feel like spreading the gift of joy, then it would feel kind of like Christmas.

Christmas to me is a time where you can guarantee happiness. You’re off school so you have more time to be with family and friends. Giving people gifts on Christmas lets them know that you care about them and puts a smile on their face.

Christmas is also a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. He makes us happy because since he is here, we are saved.

Christmas is ultimately the happiest time there is.

Since I love Christmas so much, it is hard to decide when my favorite Christmas was. If I had to choose, I guess I would choose last Christmas. Of course, I was the first one to wake up. It was a rule that I had to wait until 6 o’clock to wake anyone else up. I was supposed to wait until Mama and Daddy were up to open any presents also. Well, I couldn’t just sit down stairs doing nothing while there were presents waiting for me! I figured if there was a present that wasn’t wrapped I’d have a peek. Sure enough, the Ipod touch I had asked for was sitting there unwrapped. After awhile of messing around, I talked myself how to turn it on and off and that kind of stuff. Santa Claus Continued on page 11

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had already put games and songs on it. I decided to explore the songs. I found the Christmas songs and pressed play. The booming music hurt my ears. I started pressing buttons trying to turn the sound down. I don’t remember if that woke my parents up, but it probably did. Another thing I forgot to mention is that it was snowing! The rest of the day was great.

We went to Gram and Gramp’s house and spent lots of time outside and playing with our presents. I hope this year ends up being as good as last year.

Congratulations, Sara Frances!

We love you!

Mama, Daddy, and Meri Alan

39 Brayden Parker Third Place Tie Narrative/Essay Fifth Grade Mooreville Elementary School

“Babies are Dangerous” Wwwhhhhaaaaa!!!!! Wwwhhaaa!!!! The terrible sound of a baby crying. When we hear it, it frightens us. When a baby cries he or she is trying to tell you something.

In this case my baby brother, Gavin, was trying to tell me that his diaper was full. I walk in the room expecting for him to get louder, but he quieted down and desperately looked at me to change his diaper. I pulled him up to the diaper changing mat.

I took off his cute little airplane outfit and by that time you could smell the horrible stench of his poop. When the diaper came off he peed all over his airplane outfit, his diaper, my clothes, and me. He gave me a cute little mischievous smile. I grabbed some baby wipes and wiped his little bottom. I took the last diaper from the diaper bag and strapped it to him. Put his bear outfit on and he was happier than a baby with a new toy. I was madder than a guy with a peed on shirt, because that had all ready happened five times today.

SIXTH GRADE - POETRY 40 Albert Logan First Place – Poetry Sixth Grade Milam Elementary School

“Rainbow” Playing outside it starts to rain, My friend and I started to complain.

We wanted to finish the baseball game But the little drops that poured still came.

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Because it’s been my passion Every time you see you will be amazed When you wear it you will be praised Buying shoes and earrings by the pair And cute accessories for my hair Grabbing them by the armfuls off the racks All the store workers had to help me back My clothes and shoes are new When I walk in the school I give everyone a view

42 Hayden Henderson Third Place – Poetry Sixth Grade Milam Elementary School

We ran inside we stared at the tiny door.

We kicked and cried it was such a bore.

The rain it ruined our exciting baseball war.

The rain still just poured, poured, and “First Snow” poured.

First snow, First snow how do you grow As we turned around to get something to With your flakes like a spider’s web You plummet to the ground silently snack, Johnny excitedly tapped me on the back. As I sprint to my mom saying, “It’s snowing” We jumped up and down like crazy maniacs.

We looked and screamed as we saw the sun She dresses me in my warmest clothes, and off I go! crack.

Into the blackness of night Where you lay peacefully From underneath the clouds the colors As I try to toss you in the air began to grow, You simply disappear under the snow.

A collection of colors we saw a rainbow.

Now we can play our game in the meadow.

Strike one, strike two, strike three, let’s go. Alas you’re gone from my sight I start to wonder if you’ll be here in the morn Your family is very proud of you. Because I miss you so Keep up the good work!

I will build you a snow man And may your friends pile and pile Love, Mom, Dad & Your Sister On my creation And may they call to the heavens to reborn you I bid you farewell Into the blackness of night 41 First snow you’re alright Zariah Bean Second Place – Poetry Sixth Grade Milam Elementary School

“Fashion” I’ve always loved fashion

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SIXTH GRADE - NARRATIVE/ESSAY 43 Sawyer Tucker First Place – Narrative/Essay Sixth Grade Milam Elementary School

“My Nightmare” As the wind hits the trees, the crows caw, a leaf rustles I jump around to see a shadowed figure that has four legs that reeks of bugs and something else. I recognize that horrid smell. It’s Bear, my dog that I have been looking for all night. I am pretty sure that he can tell I am mad, but just then I can hear a twig break in the distance. I also hear heavy running footsteps. Bear starts to howl, but I cut him off by putting my hand over his mouth and clamping it shut. I hide in a bush. The leaves were like nails poking into my skin.

The ground was hard and wet to my touch. Then I hear the footsteps coming closer. I could see it was a dark figure with liquid dripping. It calls my name, Ally Aires, in a very sweet tone, but something snapped.....the dark figure was not sweet any more. “ALLY AIRES GET UP NOW. I CAN SEE YOU!” As cold wet hands grasp my shoulder, I wake up to lights beating down on my face. My dog was kissing my face. My mom was waking me up from my dream. Then I look around. I see the dark figure, and I scream “Ahhhhhh.” My mom starts to freak out and goes over to the dark figure and picks it up. It’s my dark jacket, and my black cat laying on it in my chair. When I scream, my cat scampers from my room in fright.

44 Mitchell Tharp Second Place Tie – Narrative/Essay Sixth Grade Mooreville Middle School

“Horror on the Hay Ride” As the trailer lurched out of the Sullivans’ dark paved driveway on the

brisk October night, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching me.

The feeling vanished, however, when my friends began cracking jokes. It was the eve of Halloween, and I was at Reagan Sullivan’s annual Halloween hayride. It was a chilly night, and a full moon was shining high in the cloudless sky. As the truck weaved through the deserted roads like a snake, we heard many howling dogs.

The howls sent chills up my spine, and the feeling that someone was watching me returned, forcing me to turn and look over my shoulder every few minutes.

Suddenly, all talking ceased. I looked up ahead of us, and the sight that lay before me was one I will never forget.

Glass from the busted windshield of a cherry red Mustang lay scattered all over the road. Beside the totaled car sat a police car, its dark blue lights blazing.

As soon as I saw Mrs. Sullivan’s face, I knew this wasn’t part of the ride. The driver, Mr. Sullivan, brought the truck to a halt and talked to a policeman. After a few minutes, he returned and told us that the driver had run off the road and hit a tree.

The driver was fine, but the passenger had been sent to the hospital.

After hearing this unnerving news, our journey resumed. We soon reached the Hussey Sod Farm. By this time, it was well into the night and far below the freezing mark. We all huddled together for warmth as Mr. Weeks, who was riding in the back of the large truck, stated that nearby was an ancient Indian burial ground. He said that if you listen closely, you can hear the Indians chanting. I wondered if that was the presence I felt watching my every move.

Before I could give the idea any real thought, however, four dark figures emerged from behind some wooden crates. They charged straight for us, bellowing like Indians. I covered my head with my hand to avoid being scalped.

When nothing attacked me, I peeked out from under my hands and saw the same figures hunched over and laughing their heads off. I was relieved when I discovered that the “Indians” were merely the mothers of some of my friends.

When they finally finished laughing, they came aboard the trailer and rode with us back to the Sullivans’ house. My mother was waiting for me when the trailer rolled onto the driveway. I thanked Reagan and her parents for inviting me and marched to our car. As we pulled out onto the road, my mom asked me if the hayride was fun.

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“It was fine,” I answered and stretched back on the leather seat, enjoying the warmth of the car. Then I asked, “Mom, do you know anything about Indian burials?”

45 Addison Priest Second Place Tie – Narrative/Essay Sixth Grade Guntown Middle School

“Broken” Do you know what it feels like to break your leg? Well, I do! I was outside running around on a bright, Sunday afternoon. I was about to go inside to eat supper, when I spotted the most amazing thing in a tall tree. I saw a giant nest with the most precious looking baby flying squirrels in the nest. I had a huge temptation to go and play with one, but I knew that would get into some huge trouble if I missed supper.

The whole time I was eating supper, I was thinking about those baby flying squirrels. It was dark when I finished eating. The air was coo and crisp. It was so dark and cold, so I grabbed a flashlight and some long pants. I went to make sure that they were still there. It took me a while to find the right tree, and when I did, I was almost positive I had passed it five times. The baby flying squirrels were still there, so I started to climb up the tall, skinny tree.

Since it was dark, I couldn’t see the small, skinny, wobbly limbs. When I had almost reached the nest, my foot missed the branch, and I fell straight to my face.

My leg hit first, and it started to hurt really badly, so I started to wobble, hop, and limp all at the same time. When I finally made it to the house, I started up the uneven, red, brick steps. When I got inside, I told my mom what had happened. She said it looked broken, and we would go to see a doctor in the morning.

She was right. The doctor said it was broken in three different spots! I couldn’t believe it. After I had that exhausting and horrifying experience, I promised myself that I would never try to pet a wild animal ever again. It’s certainly not worth breaking a leg over!

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46 Hollyann Friloux Third Place Tie – Narrative/Essay Sixth Grade Milam Elementary School

“The Beach” The salty air surrounds me as the sand squishes between my toes and gets swept away by the cold ocean front. The glow of the sun reflects on the water. I hear the waves crashing against the shore. The wind blows my hair back, and as I walk along, I find gorgeous, shiny shells that have been washed into the shore by the rippling water. The temperature of the sun is streaming onto my skin. I hear kids playing in the ocean, and the ringing of the boats. The sand of the beach welcomed gently rushing ocean, which took the golden sand and the diamond-shaped rocks back in the ocean. As the sun starts to set upon the horizon, I see the relaxation of the birds soaring in the sky, and I hear the waves crashing against the bank.

47 Jordan Manley Third Place Tie – Narrative/Essay Sixth Grade Milam Elementary School

“Getting Gizmo” One afternoon I was sitting in my room bored out of my mind. My family and I had only lived in Mississippi for two months. We moved to the Magnolia state because my dad was helping open up the new Toyota plant. Because it was summer and school had not started yet, I had not met any kids my age. My mom knew that I was missing my friends and lonely. She wandered into my room early that hot morning and informed me that we were going to look for a puppy. I was ecstatic! I had been bugging my mom for weeks to me a puppy. I jumped up right away and started getting ready. She said, “We will leave in an hour.” After the hour passed, I ran to our shiny, silver SUV and jumped in to wait patiently for my mom. That day

turned out to be the day that I received my best friend Gizmo and a whole lot of responsibility.

After a really long drive through a horrible storm, we finally arrived. When we got to the street, my mom said, “I just hope it’s not that house.” She was pointing at a small house with vines covering the windows and doors. There were also a lot of broken bricks on it. But, sure enough, it was.

When we knocked on the door, an older man answered. He invited us into the house which was almost pitch black.

They had no overhead lights on. One single lamp was the only thing giving off anything. They brought three puppies out and put them on the furniture. There was a ginger looking dog with a white face, a cream colored dog with a chocolate face, and then there was the lonely runt of the dogs. He was all black except for the brown on his paws and face. After holding all the dogs, I knew I wanted the all black puppy. But when my mom picked him up, he was covered in fleas. The lady tried to explain why the puppy had fleas and what my mom could do to help the puppy.

My mom asked if he had been to the vet for shots. The lady said yes, but she didn’t have any paperwork. My mom didn’t really want him, but she couldn’t tell me no.

She knew that I already was attached to the dog. So my mom said we could get him! I took him to the car and waited while my mom paid for him. During the drive home, my mom talked about how we would have to give him a bath and try to get the fleas off him. After his bath, we decided to name him Gizmo. Gizmo has now been a part of our family for almost four years. He has given me a friend to play with, and he has taught me responsibility.

SEVENTH GRADE - POETRY 48 Jordan Davis First Place – Poetry Seventh Grade Guntown Middle School

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“Where I’m From” I am from the plush green hills of Ireland and the bustling cities of England where my ancestors once lived I am from the rolling cotton fields of Tupelo, Mississippi.

I am from the advice of my Mama and the long talks with God I am from the courage of friends and the heartache of being backstabbed I am from the soft, deep voices of country music singing of big green tractors and a crazy ex-girlfriend.

I am from the warmth of a hug and the love that came behind it.

I am from a place called home.

49 Jacob Owens Second Place -Poetry Seventh Grade Tupelo Christian Preparatory School

“The Pencil” In so many ways, I am like a pencil.

A pencil writes down what it thinks or feels so that everyone will know.

A pencil puts down facts or answers, and lets a greater force see if they are right or wrong; what a pencil writes may make someone’s day or break it depending on the pencil’s mood.

A pencil can sign to start wars or make a peace treaty.

Another thing a pencil can do is erase.

It can erase the past by apologizing or saying “Thanks”.

It can erase the war in our heart by sharing our love with one another, as God would want us to do.

A pencil is the Lord’s ultimate example to be like.

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50 Emily Smith Third Place - Poetry Seventh Grade Guntown Middle School

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“I should teach you a lesson,” he bellowed. Then he attacked me, so I dodge and attacked back out of pure instinct. He was my friend, so I did only what I needed to.

I sat out the rest of recess, not like it matters when you lose a friend. As we walked back to class, one thought ran through my mind, “Did I do the right thing?” On the verge of insanity for beating up my best friend, I thought, “Yes, I did do the right thing.”

“They” As we entered the classroom, I saw They are my guard when mine goes down, Nathan sitting in the desk beside mine – They make me smile when I frown. something that he’d never done before.

They are my shelter in the rain, As I sat down, I heard him say, “Tyler, They make my heart beat as fast as a train. thank you.” As we shook hands, I knew one friendship had ended, but another They are my spark when my match burns had just begun. out, “No problem,” I replied.

They somehow find me when I’m nowhere about.

They are my warmth when I am cold, They keep me going when I’m put on 52 hold.

Hannah Elliot Second Place – “They” are the people who are always Narrative/Essay beside me Seventh Grade “They” are the people who only they Tupelo Christian could be.

Preparatory School “They” are the people who do not pretend...

To be the very best friends they could have ever been.

“The Necklace”

attic for weeks, maybe even months.

Every once in a while I would come across the tiny, gold box and would just stare at that thing. I wouldn’t open it because I thought that whatever was in that box had something to do with my grandmother’s death.

Then one day I stared at the thing all day long, and my mother told me that maybe I should open it to just get it off my chest; just to lift the pain and weight off my heart. I told her that the pain of my Me-Me’s death would never go away.

Finally, later that day, I got up the nerve to open it. I opened it and inside the tiny box lay a key, a key that fit perfectly inside the blue locket. I opened the locket and there was nothing. I shook and shook the locket, and still, there was nothing. Then I realized that I was empty too. I was empty without Me-Me.

I remember when Me-Me and I would play hide and go seek in the yard. We would always hide behind the trees. Then one day I was at her house, and she told me she had alzheimer’s and I didn’t know what that was; I told her to feel better soon. She told me that she couldn’t get better and that she was going to die soon.

I cried all day and night. The next day she gave me a necklace; it had a shiny gold chain and a blue locket. It was the prettiest thing in the whole world! I tried and tried to open it, but it didn’t budge. My grandmother came in there and said, “One day you’re going to be able to open that locket.” I said, “Well, why can’t that day be today?” She just laughed. Oh, what I’d do just to hear her laugh again.

Then the day came and my grandmother died. She left people her house and things in her house, but she left me the most precious thing in the world although I didn’t see it that way at the time. She left me a tiny, gold, rusted box. I could’ve sworn that thing was three hundred years old. For days and even weeks I wouldn’t look, touch, or even acknowledge the tiny, gold box. It just sat in my

Hello, my name is Mr. Eugene Alexander Whiskers, and yes, I’m a cat.

I’m a cat who has always longed to be human. I’m starting a journey to become famous. Well, I have my bags packed and… “Oh, Mr. Whiskers, your food’s ready.” Oh, that was my owner, Anna.

Okay, first of all you might want to know about my life right now. Well, I’m just an ordinary indoor, outdoor cat. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my family. It’s just that I have always dreamed of something bigger for my life. I’ve always seen myself as a famous performer, like a singer or dancer on Broadway. Either way, I’ve made a decision that I’m leaving tonight.

As for now, I might as well go on and eat my supper before it’s no longer fresh.

It’s seven o’clock, time to go to the bus station. “Tickets, please, and remember no pets allowed,” a man says in a stern voice. Well, that’s not going to stop me, I thought! As the train started moving, I ran and jumped onto the railing of the back. I sat there for three hours. Finally, we made it to Memphis, TN. It was here that I got off the bus and boarded a plane. The

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51 Tyler Voyles First Place – Narrative/Essay Seventh Grade Mooreville Middle School

“The Run” As I saw Nathan run down the giant hill, I saw the bullies chasing him full speed. That’s when I knew I had to help him. As fast as my legs could take me through the rocks, I ran.

When I got to the grass they were about at me. When they finally reached me, I blocked them. Without missing a beat, Nathan ran to safety. There were mumbles emitting from the small mob of bullies; then like a moth to light, Brad came at me.

53 Anna Scott McKinion Third Place – Narrative/Essay Seventh Grade Guntown Middle School “Cat Fantasy”

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engine roared as we began to take off, which was irritating. Then as our plane lifted, the sound became more muffled and was kind of relaxing. Finally, I was really traveling to New York City.

Four hours later, I arrived in New York.

I stepped off of the plane, and I thought to myself, “Wow, this is gorgeous!” There were lights everywhere and traffic. I was full of excitement. I went in search of the most beautiful hotel I could find. I went through China Town, Times Square, and Central Park. I went down to 48th and then 35th until I found the beautiful and historical Plaza Hotel. I walked in, and there were people bustling around everywhere. My eyes searched the room for the nearest check-in desk, and that’s when I saw it! There was an audition sheet hanging in there on the wall of the lobby. It read, “If you would like to audition for ‘CATS,’” the Broadway musical, then join us on Thursday afternoon, September 29, at 3 p.m. sharp! Be prepared with sheet music and proper dance attire.” I knew this sign was speaking to me. I took a deep breath and sighed and thought to myself, “This is going to be everything I have dreamed of!”

GUM TREE WRITING CONTEST

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

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thing.

56 Just ask the man living under the bridge.

Claire Golding I’ll tell you right now, he has courage.

Third Place - Poetry It’s not the absence of fear or of doubt.

Eighth Grade It’s not the knowledge of not being cast Tupelo Christian out.

Preparatory School No, its’ the soldier, and mother, and man.

The ones who go on, barely knowing they can.

It’s pushing the fear to the back of your mind, and throwing concern to the air.

“MIMI” It’s giving all you’ve got to God, I never really thought about it, and living your life through prayer.

Until she was gone, In my Mimi, There was not a mean bone!

55 Beth Ezell Second Place Poetry Eighth Grade Guntown Middle School

“Where I’m From...”

I am from bluegrass and country music.

From Mayfield, Auburn, Possum Trot, and Walnut, EIGHTH GRADE - POETRY To the tight squeeze behind my parent’s bed.

I am from underneath my mamaw’s kitchen 54 sink, Mamie Clark And hearing Daddy sing, “You are my sunFirst Place - Poetry shine...”

Eighth Grade The taste of Papaw’s pancakes, Tupelo Middle My daddy’s crooked fingers, School And John Deere Green.

Second to last pew, between Momma and Mamaw, Intensely watching the preacher, Seeing his hands move with his words.

The soft, cloud-like biscuits every morning, “Courage” And my mamaw’s laundry detergent.

What is courage?

Daddy’s sweaty work shirts, The absence of fear?

Momma’s hairspray, The absence of doubt?

The scents of gardenias and roses, The feeling of knowing you won’t be cast That’s home to me. out?

From getting chiggers Or is it the soldier, anguished and broken, And sitting under the old Oak tree, Who chooses to fight simply because he To hiding in Mamaw’s flowerbeds. was chosen?

“Call me if you need me, my lil’ dare-devil!”

Is it the mother, to whom life was unfair, It’s all bittersweet, who just keeps going, living only on Wanting to go back, prayer?

Yet willing to go further.

No, courage is not the absence of fear.

Courage is honestly something quite queer.

Great job! We are so proud of you!

You don’t need money, or riches or bling.

Love, Mom & Dad For courage, in fact, you don’t need a

Her words were caring, Her heart, so pure.

The sweetest lady you will meet!

And of that, I’m sure!

It seems like her days on earth, were so few.

She now lives in heaven and In Christ, is made new.

If I had one more chance, To talk to Mimi, I have no doubt, what my words would be.

“Thank you for the example, You showed to me, Of how a young lady, Surely should be.”

“Thank you for the love, And care you showed, And all the kind words, On me you bestowed.”

“I love you so much, And you’ll always be there, All of your memories, And all that you shared.”

EIGHTH GRADE - NARRATIVE/ESSAY 57 Britton Webb First Place – Narrative/Essay Eighth Grade Guntown Middle School

“Power Candy” “Rise and shine my little princesses!”

My mother softly sang to my sisters and Continued on page 16

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| FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

me every morning-- so many years ago.

Her smile made our sleepy eyes merge the new day. But for 5-year old me, that wasn’t the only thing. Every morning at breakfast, Mommy would give us our “Power Candy.” It was chewable, fruit-flavored hard candy, and I was sure that if I didn’t have my “Power Candy” I would die, literally.

It tasted quite good that weekend morning; I remember. Everything was fine until the silence was pierced with “ERRRR-CRASH!” Dad was out the door before I knew it, and mom sat us all on the couch, turned on Barney, and told us to stay put. The moment she was out the door, we all had our noses glued to the window staring at a giant moving truck that had rolled over onto its side.

“UH OHHH,” we all said in unison then giggled at the coincidence. We quickly bounded back to the comfy couch, and fought over seats. After awhile, I got hungry. Mom and Dad weren’t here so I could help myself to anything. After a dozen cookies and a bag of Cheetos, I saw it-- an open bottle of Mommies’ “Power Candy.” I dropped the Cheetos and grabbed the bottle with cheesy fingers. I pigged out on the fruity goodness when Dumb, Dumber, and Dumbest spotted me. They ran to my side trying to take them away. “Ok! OK! I’ll share. One for you, one for you, and two for me....” The dealing went on and on as my sisters and I began to devour the bottle empty.

“We’re back ladies!” my mother happily called out as she stumbled in, but the smiling face turned into horror as she spotted the four little girls in the corner eating Flinestones Vitamins. She grabbed us all and crammed us into her car as she rushed her way to the Tupelo Hospital. If anyone had too many “Power Candies” it would be her. Totally confused out of our right minds my sisters and I sat quietly as our tummies began to ache. At the hospital smiling strangers took us into a room as they began to make us drink a nasty liquid. Fighting the stranger, I began to feel my tummy in even more pain whipping and whirling around. She brought me a bag just in time so I could vomit all my guts out.

We began to sob and scream for our dear mother. She heard the cry from outside the room and flashed in with embracing warm arms gathering us together as a family. Instant comfort overwhelmed our bodies. She took all the suffering away giving us all the power to fight

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the pain, and we realized if anything gave us power in this world--- it would be her.

58 Rachel Anderson Second Place – Narrative/Essay Eighth Grade Mooreville Middle School

“R.F.G.” My eyes fixed tightly on the finish line.

My legs were giving way beneath me.

Sweat trickled down my cheek. Though my thighs numb, I kept that steady pace. I collapsed over the finish line. Heart beating rapidly, I thought back to the sounded gun.

POW!! My legs jolted forward, but my body stood still. The moisture from my mouth evaporated, leaving me gasping for water. My gaze was positioned forward. All I could hear were the pounding footsteps around me. I glanced down to my legs to the green, smeared letters that once read R.F.G. I thought of the meaning of those letters as they descended down my leg. Run For God. The pack had broken up sending the hopeless to the back and determined to the front. I was moving briskly in the middle. I found myself passing girls left and right. With a swift breeze around a corner I navigated around two girls and found myself in the lead. The white swaying banner came into sight setting me into the “I will carry you off this field if I have to” mode, as my coach has phrased before. That one last piece of fire sparked within me and I flew across the banner.

Someone handed me a cup of water as I struggled to stand. The icy drink slid down my throat like I had nothing to drink in ages. There was a humble feeling in my stomach and I knew it was victory, not only for me, but for my team as well.

As I look back today the only thought that mostly comes to mind about that race is one thing..... I ran for God.

59 Emma Counce Third Place – Narrative/Essay Eighth Grade Tupelo Middle School

“White Christmas” Christmas day of 2010 was probably one of the happiest days of my life. This is because it combined two of my most favorite things: Christmas and snow.

Tupelo, Mississippi indeed had a white snow Christmas and it was absolutely astonishing.

I woke up that morning at 4:30 a.m.! I saw everything set up in the den so I went to go wake up my older brother, Adam. At first we were just admiring all the presents we had received when I saw a flicker outside the window. When we looked outside we noticed it was snowing very hard! I didn’t think much about it at the time because I was consumed in other Christmas day festivities.

Around 6:30, my younger brother awoke to find his gifts, and we talked about those for a few minutes. By 6:45 there were at least two inches of snow on the ground, and it was still coming down hard. At this time we threw on our heavy coats and boots and darted out into the snow. Unfortunately, my Dad’s yard has two large Magnolia trees which blocked nearly all the snow form our yard, but the vacant house next door got plenty! We decided to play in their yard.

At about 7:15 a.m., my middle brother came over from my mother’s house and the four of us got busy constructing four lovely snowmen. It was the first any of us had ever made and I was so proud! I named mine Bertha and she had a yellow hat and pinecone eyes.

After a few hours, my two younger brothers got cold and went in, but Adam and I stayed a bit longer. It was a lucky thing we stayed out because in the midst of us throwing snowballs at each other, a small grey car pulled up and parked on the curb. We then ceased and waited for someone to step out and inform us on what was happening. A short woman all bundled up got out and explained that she worked for the Daily Journal and was out looking for people enjoying the white Christmas. She then proceeded to ask if Continued on page 17

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she could take some pictures of the two of us. We both quickly agreed to let her and continued darting around the yard. After about ten minutes, she thanked us, told us we could see our pictures in the following day’s paper, and left.

The two of us agreed not to tell our family and let them just see the paper the next day, but my giddiness could not be controlled. I told Adam I couldn’t wait and gushed to my parents about our little photo shoot. After this, our grandparents came over and dispersed our presents out to everyone. After they departed, my Dad made thick, warm hot chocolate with gooey marshmallows, and we sat and sipped it as we looked outside at the winter wonderland! This was the best Christmas ever!

NINTH GRADE - POETRY 60 Allison Nichols First Place – Poetry Ninth Grade Tupelo High School

“Cattle Cars: A Poem Inspired by the Holocaust” It was those cattle cars That drug me away from the only life I knew It was those cattle cars Where we were piled in like we were not people at all It was those cattle cars That introduced me to the wrath of Adolf Hitler It was those cattle cars That took us to a place where we worked until we could no more It was those cattle cars Where people screamed and cried to be home once more It was those cattle cars Where father turned on son for an extra ration of bread

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

It was those cattle cars Where we threw bodies to gravediggers for spare room as if they were never alive at all

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62 Mary Ellen Cobb Third Place – Poetry Ninth Grade Tupelo High School

It was those cattle cars That took me away and destroyed my faith forever

“Perfectly Languid” Summer is what is fondest to my heart The fresh, lush emerald of the leaves conversing in the trees The evenings bathed in gold light, warm and crisp as the gnats perform their festive dance Pristine blue skies, bright and dizzying White gold light, bursting in between the trees’ arms splaying and speckling the ground below Summer, my sweet embrace after the “High School” bipolar spring It’s dress codes, cliques, and obnoxious Crunching earth, clean grass, wet air kids who just want to have fun.

Lovely showers, everything bathed in It’s a teacher who is just about outdone. water, moist and sweet It’s a crowded hallway, a rowdy boy, or a Everything alive gossiping girl.

It’s eager freshmen ready to give it a whirl. Summer is what brings me joy Long, winding rides under green tunnels Waiting until that hour hand hits three Sun flashing and dancing Agreeing with the teachers to disagree Blinding and shooting Getting nominated on the homecoming Dining with the sunset and family court Observing the gnats as they float and Or cheering for your school’s team in spin every sport Chortles and bells, cackles and snorts Creased eyes, flexing abdomens, sore Whether it’s going through your first cheeks heartbreak Beautiful company Or deciding that falling in “love” with someone is a risk you are willing to take. Summer is what puts me at peace Tailgating before football games Sunlight slipping through the restraints Or the pep rallies where we call the other Carpet white team names Warm ink and paper, waiting to be brought alive These are some of the things you will miss Disheveled sheets, books saying hello the most. and goodbye Before you know it they will come to an Cool conditioned air end, so hold onto them close.

Green tomatoes fragrance the air The only flame needed is the sun in the sky Congratulations, Em Kate!

A cushion for my crown, a blanket as old as time and worn as leather We love you.

Perfectly Languid 61 Emily Wright Second Place – Poetry Ninth Grade Tupelo High School

Love, Mom, Dad, Drew & Mamaw

Summer is what is part of me Those giant green beings, rolling and rolling Continued on page 18

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DAILY JOURNAL

GUM TREE WRITING CONTEST

| FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

That continuous stream, clear and radiant This dark, mysterious cave, treacherous and exciting Those smooth little stones, all more precious than a diamond That night in the trees, in tune and aware This Summer Of awe

NINTH GRADE - NARRATIVE/ESSAY 63 Bethany Fitts First Place – Narrative/Essay Ninth Grade Tupelo High School

“A Special Family Member” Standing silently in the dim kitchen light, I finally accepted the hard truth. I had torn through the room like a savage, in search for a satisfying snack before my impatient tummy could eat itself, but now I hung my head in defeat. I had left no cabinet unopened; No shelf had been able to hide its goods in the shadows, but I still had no scrumptious treat to boast of. As I was staring in disbelief at the newly sabotaged kitchen, my grandmother shuffled into the room.

After finally recovering from the initial shock at discovering her mutilated kitchen, my wise grandmother produced a simple solution to my ravenous hunger.

Pancakes. My tummy and I agreed wholeheartedly that those golden bites of heaven were the remedy to my current fatal issue. Finally at peace, I began to exit the room, but my grandma refused to allow me to desert her. “You are cooking. Not me,” she told me, “but don’t worry yourself. I will teach you.” You see, I was only nine years old at the time, so the closest I had ever come to cooking anything was microwavable “Easy-Mac.” It was only normal for me to wish I could turn invisible. My eyes scanned the room for a possible escape route, but none proved true.

I finally accepted the situation for what it was – I would have to call the fire department.

As it turns out, the fire department was not required for this adventure to take place. My grandmother was a superb teacher. She demonstrated how to mix the wet and dry ingredients together, and graciously allowed me to stir. She produced a griddle for me to pour the batter on and helped me to the hold the bowl as I distributed the batter in medium sized circles. “You want them to be cooked well on the inside and out,” she said. “There is a trick for you to tell, though.” I waited for her to share her secret. “Once the batter has little bubbles in it, you can check the other side of the pancake and see if it is ready to be flipped.” I peeked and saw that she was right. My grandmother demonstrated how to flip the pancake without breaking it, and she made it seem simple. It wasn’t. It took several attempts for me to make sure the pancake did not crumble to pieces. Finally, I placed my pile of perfect pancakes onto the table for my grandmother, my brother, and me to enjoy at last. The first bite was heaven as the crispy pancake exterior mixed with maple syrup and melted into a soft and sweet interior. Even though the pancake was delicious, the most satisfying event that had occurred that day was my grandmother teaching me how to make pancakes. I admire her patience while I destroyed several of the golden circles. I still cook pancakes, and every time their sweet scent fills my senses, I am reminded of that day my grandmother taught me to cook pancakes.

64 Monica Acosta Second Place – Narrative/Essay Ninth Grade Tupelo High School

“Fishy – The One That Got Away” It was looking at me. We stare at one another, a staring contest of sorts. My eyes start to water. Come on Monica, I mentally scold myself. You’re not going to let a fish beat you, right? It doesn’t work.

My eyes blink on their own accord, betraying my thoughts. Fishy swims away, looking triumphant. Stupid fish.

Yes, its name is Fishy. Original, I know.

Fishy has blue and red and green fins. A vibrant fish, arrogant in all its glory. Fishy

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is my sixth fish, after George, Pedro, Trooper, Pablo, and Napoleon.

Napoleon’s goodbye was the most painful.

We never anticipated he would fall into the drain while we were changing his water. His funeral was a tragic event, equivalent to that of Whitney Houston’s funeral. We all wore black – well, I wore black, considering his funeral consisted only of a pathetic eight-year-old girl. I was a mess. And pathetic, if I hadn’t mentioned that before. After all, people always associate the phrase “the one that got away” with the one that was the most memorable.

Anyway, fishy is really growing on me.

So much, that I decide to decorate its fish tank. Sure, it’s small – I mean, my head is probably bigger – but nothing bad will happen…right?

Well, I have this glittery rock. Let’s just say a glittery rock plus a fish tank does not equal a positive outcome, especially when the glittery rock gets stuck on Fishy’s tail, preventing him from swimming away.

Who’s stupid now?

Me. I guess it’s the one that didn’t get away after all.

65 Macy Replogle Third Place – Narrative/Essay Ninth Grade Tupelo High School

“What is Wrong with Me?” Feet on the dash, knees bent, hands wrapped around my waist so tight one would think I was restraining myself from explosion. “Mom, my stomach hurts,” I tell her every morning. It started in third grade. Now I’m in fifth grade, and my redundant reminder is getting old. My mom has been blowing it off as “faking sick” for too long.

“Fine,” she answers, “I’ll take you to the doctor this time.” The butterflies in my stomach feel like they’re slicing my sides with razors, and car rides or any other kind of movement don’t help much.

It only rattles the cage for the butterflies, taunting them. When I move, they swarm in an even angrier rampage. My best copContinued on page 19

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ing technique was to find a comfortable position and freeze. By now, I know my sickness. It’s become a part of me. It’s an everyday problem that I taught myself to just deal with. The pain grows with every mile we drive towards the clinic. By now, I’m sitting on my head in the fetal position to make the pain go away. My forehead is sweaty, but my body is covered in chill bumps. I don’t eat much anymore. I never feel like it, but water seems to be my best friends in times like these. By the time we arrive at the clinic, the queasiness hit its max and stopped. It happens every time… I feel awful. I feel like I have lied to my mom. Again. What’s wrong with me?

Dr. Gipson sees me soon after we sign in. He places his icy hands on my back and listens to me breathe in and out with his stethoscope. He finishes up his usual duties by taking my blood pressure, and turns to me. “What seems to be the problem?” “Hurtful butterflies.” That’s my answer. He immediately sends me to get my blood taken. I go through so many tests. I miss thirty-one days of school.

Thirty-one. Where can you find me?

Check any form of a Tupelo medical clinic. That’s where I am. I’m running tests, giving blood, adding to the collection of bruises and sores from all the needles. My inner elbows hurt the worst. They’re a strange tie-dye color of black, yellow, blue, and purple, and I know my scars will stay there, always. I go through the same routine every day; I wake up, eat, my stomach hurts, then there’s no more eating, and off to the doctor’s office I go.

Repeat.

Finally, one cold day in December, the doctor sits my family and me down to reveal my sickness. My gall bladder functions at twelve percent. The result? Surgery.

TENTH GRADE - POETRY 66 Mitch Edwards First Place – Poetry Tenth Grade Saltillo High School

“Change” through life, you’re going to change

you’ll gain you’ll lose you’ll strain you’ll bruise you’ll break you’ll awake some mornings, an empty shell others, earthly hell some, on cloud nine others, truly divine

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

things will come things will go but change will always be there

67 Hayley Schrock Second Place – Poetry Tenth Grade Saltillo High School

some days, you’ll wake up smiling “Stay Calm” singing glory to God for the blessings he’s given Stay calm some days, you’ll wake up dying Stay focused asking God just to show you how to keep living

change it’ll leave you deranged estranged strange wondering where it all went wondering where it all will end wondering if it’s for good wondering if it ever would but something you can rely on something you can never deny on is change cuz no matter what you do what you say no matter what is true or what your way change is gonna come and you can deny it but you’ll find it and it’ll fly you away it’ll make you pay or you can accept it fly with it connect it let it lift you in the storm but control its form let it change your direction

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but control its connection

you’ll feel strong, tied down, tied together, you’ll feel shattered broken down, broken apart you’ll feel wrong unworthy, unloved you’ll feel right unhindered, unshoved

but one thing you can depend on one thing that will never fail one thing that you can defend from but you’ll never ever prevail

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Breath in Breathe out

I stare at the audition room door, Heart thrashing hands trembling, Just waiting for it to yawn And release its current victim.

When it does, it will swallow me as the replacement.

Stay calm Stay focused

Breathe in Breathe out

Still waiting, still shaking With a click, the door swings open.

A girl struts out, and I stumble in.

Stay calm Stay focused

Breathe in Breathe out

I feel the walls close in, suffocating me.

Using the entirety of my self-restraint To not glance at the judges, I slowly make my way to the chair that waits In the center of the room for me My eyes move of their own accord across the faces Of all the judges.

They smile kindly at me, and I manage a Small sheepish smile in return.

Continued on page 20

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DAILY JOURNAL

GUM TREE WRITING CONTEST

| FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

Stay calm Stay focused

Breathe in Breathe out

And play.

68 Leigh Sumner Third Place – Poetry Tenth Grade Saltillo High School

Working from 8-5, Monday through Friday for one week, We help the Senior Pages get things done, We feel welcome and make many friends, By the end of the week we feel as if we belonged, We were the Senate’s Pages, We sit, We wait, We listen, We learn, And as soon as we came, We are done.

TENTH GRADE - NARRATIVE/ESSAY “The Pages” We sit, We wait, We listen, We learn, History is changing, We can hear it, We can see it, We are watching it, It’s happening right before our eyes,

69 Megan Pirkle First Place – Narrative/Essay Tenth Grade Tupelo High School

“The Grandfather Clock”

Tick, tock, tick, tock the grandfather clock sang as six chimes rang from it.

We sit, Agatha’s family had moved into the house We wait, one year ago when she was only seven We listen, years old. The previous owners had left We learn, that noisy clock at the end of the hall behind, and it had always frightened Whether we are sitting in front of the Agatha. It was like a giant, watching her chamber, as she went about her day. She avoided it Or sitting in the hall, as often as possible. Today, however, she We are all waiting to be called, had work to do. Mother and Father would For some kind of job or another, be home soon, and Agatha still had to finMaybe papers to printing, ish. She scurried about, attempting to get Or notices to the Senators, everything done so her parents would be proud of her. Perhaps they will give me a We sit, prize for being so good, she thought.

We wait, Over the course of the year after her We listen, family moved in, the other children in her We learn, class told her the tale of the little girl who haunted Agatha’s new home. She had We rush up, down, across, and all over the supposedly died in the house. The girl’s capitol, nanny was in charge that night, but she We hurry to get our given tasks done, had fallen asleep just before her mother Up stairs, down stairs, and father were to get back home. They Up rows, down rows, had only been away for a few hours, but We go everywhere to get our tasks done, when they arrived back at home, something terrible had happened. Their little We sit, girl was gone, and they were too late to We wait, save her.

We listen, The story had not frightened Agatha We learn, for she was afraid of nothing. Nothing,

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that is, except that grandfather clock.

While the other children shivered and claimed they would never enter the house with a ghost, Agatha bravely and proudly claimed the house as her own. Besides, she had never seen even a glimpse of another girl in the house. In fact, she had never seen anything that could have belonged to a child before her, not even a toy that had been left behind.

Agatha peered out the window, hoping to see a car pull up in the driveway. Her hopes were not fulfilled as the driveway remained empty. She saw a light in the distance but chose to ignore it. The light was not moving fast enough to be her parents’ car, so she turned and went back to her task. After a few hours had passed and her work was complete, she set out to make herself dinner. As she entered the kitchen she thought she heard a noise from outside the door. She crept to the window and peered out only to see nothing. She brushed off her uneasiness and continued to make her sandwich.

As more time passed by, she became bored. If only those children were not so afraid, she could have invited a friend over to play. She heard another small noise coming from the outside, but still she saw no one. Maybe there is more to that ghost story than I thought, she pondered. She began to shiver and ran to her room, locking herself inside. She huddled under the covers and wished that her parents were there. Her mother would have comforted her and held her tightly. She was alone, however, and did not know how long she would be that way. She let out a shriek when she heard scratching on her window. When she looked toward the window, though, she realized that the scratching noise was just the wind blowing a tree branch against the glass. She decided to try and distract herself from all of the scary thoughts that were going through her mind.

She walked into the hallway but avoided looking at the clock. Agatha grabbed her jump rope and began skipping down the hallway. She always closed her eyes as she approached the clock and stopped skipping, turning back before she got too close. As she was making her way toward the window, she heard giggling and saw three heads pop up. The faces of the young boys and girls turned ashen, and their eyes opened widely as Agatha gazed back at them. The children ran. Agatha ignored them since they left. After all, since everything else she had been hearContinued on page 21

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ing had ended up being nothing, she assumed that the children were merely a figment of her imagination as well. She continued jump roping as she waited for her parents to come home.

The three children that were outside the house ran back through the overgrown yard and into the street. They could not believe that all of the stories were true. They could not wait for tomorrow when they could tell all of the other children what they had seen. After all, the story had been told to them by their parents who had learned it from their parents. Who could have believed that a freak accident like that could have actually happened to that poor little girl? How many times does a grandfather clock fall and crush a little girl to death. Poor Agatha, she did not even know that she was waiting on parents that had long since left that place. She would never know that she was the ghost that caused the story to become reality.

70 Sydney Weber Second Place – Narrative/Essay Tenth Grade Saltillo High School

“Reactor Meltdown” As the harsh winds battered the cracked and dirty windows, my fingers clutched the paint-chipped window sill.

At one point in time, the wood had been white, but over the years, had faded to a pale and dirty grey. The cold seeped in from underneath the sill and sent shivers down my spine as I tried to survey the street on which I lived. Using my thin and tattered shirt sleeve, I tried with no avail to rub the filth from the glass.

With a sigh, I rose from the creaky chair which I had resided in for the last hour and headed to the foyer to gather my coat and hat. As I passed the kitchen, I saw my mother, frail and just as skinny as I, dicing the few vegetables we could barely afford and dumping them into a meager stew for the family’s dinner, which would be accompanied by stale bread and water. It wasn’t much, but the meal would let us escape the constant hunger pains, if only for a short while.

Venturing into the frosty air is a task in itself. I pulled my thread-bare jacket around my boyish frame as tightly as I could as I stepped out the front door, which shut with a loud bang as I began my journey down the snow-covered streets. I had always read in stories that snow was supposed to be beautiful, but the snow that lay over the town was anything but. The snow was as filthy as the town itself, soiled by trampling boots, tobacco, and the debris, smoke and ash from the east side of town.

I never think to look at the people who pass by me. They are silent as they trudge to wherever it is their lives lead them, mulling their hardships over in their minds, trying to find a way to ease their suffering and make ends meet. I pity them in a strange way. I hate to see the people suffering, but it’s comforting to know that everyone is in the same wrecked boat, conveniently devoid of life jackets.

The scent of smoke filled my senses, and I look up to see the bank on the other side of the street. Smoke was drifting out of a vent as the furnace heated the building for mass. The cathedral on the edge of town had burned to ashes several months ago after a particularly brutal thunderstorm, and the people had found sanctuary in an abandoned bank. The people fought to put the fire out, but had failed despite their valiant efforts. There was not a dry eye in sight as the townspeople stood, huddled together in the rainy darkness, and watched as their sanctuary burned, sobbing grotesquely as all hope was stolen from them, and moved their worship to a makeshift church that was not nearly as glorious as the cathedral had been.

The snow sloshes beneath my worn boots as I speed past an alley, the stench of it invading my nostrils and nearly making me vomit. I soon come to a stop, and my gaze travels up the structure in front of me. I take in the sight of the nuclear reactor that sits at the edge of the east side of town. Its steel is dull and covered in frost, and my gloved fingers leave trails as I run my hand over the frozen structure as I pass by. I head up the hill behind the reactor and sit down at the edge of it, my small feet dangling off as I look up. I have never seen a clear sky above the town.

Smoke from the reactor shrouds it in grey and dirties the once clean air, not even letting the light of the sun or stars break through. As snow gently lands on my cheeks and eyelashes, I stare up at the bil-

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lows of smoke and wonder if I will ever be blessed enough to see the sun.

ELEVENTH GRADE - POETRY 71 Abby Young First Place – Poetry Eleventh Grade Saltillo High School

“Hush Sweet Baby” Hush sweet baby It was happening again Fingers in her ears, under the bed Mommy was crying, Daddy was shouting A shattered bottle and drunken words were all that were heard The ambulance was here to take Mommy away Old enough to know what But too young to know why Daddy’s words were deep, except to me This line I heard every time – Hush sweet baby, it’ll be alright.

ELEVENTH GRADE - NARRATIVE/ESSAY 73 Lauren Ostrander First Place – Narrative/Essay Eleventh Grade Tupelo High School

“Existing Unique” As a kid, I was what people called “a late bloomer.” Socially, of course. As a result of being a late bloomer, I thought there was something wrong with me.

That maybe there was a glitch in my brain for not connecting well with people my own age. It was like everyone around me were moths, and I was a perfectly working light bulb. Nobody flocked to me because there was a brighter light bulb right next door. As a result of not being the brightest bulb in the ceiling, not speaking of intelligence obviously, I worked double time to be “just like everybody else” and to fit in.

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It’s not particularly that I wanted best friends, I just didn’t want to go throughout elementary school without people I could at least say I talked to. The overcompensating worked for a while, and by that I mean until middle school. Now, let me say kids are so naïve when it comes to fitting in, so it’s much easier to find a niche when you’re younger.

In middle school, the more you overcompensate, the more “fake” you are.

Once again, I was trying to be just like everybody else, except this time, I actually wanted friends. So in order to find friends, I stopped doing what I loved; I stopped reading, for the time being. I was pretty lame.

Now, flashback time is over.

Today, I read more than I do anything else. I’m the only one in my family of awesome athletes who doesn’t do sports, not because I’m trying to do the opposite of what I used to, but because I have absolutely no coordination. I’m a danger to myself and others. Anyway, I read, and I write. And I listen to music in my room, and make up scenarios in my head and I act them out, but no one’s allowed to see them because they’re very embarrassing.

I like painting my nails different colors that don’t match. I like wearing kooky makeup. I like being pasty and short. I like wearing bejeweled flowers in my hair and having size two feet and baby hands.

Sometimes I feel left out because I don’t fit in the way the rest of my family fits in together, but I like the fact that they accept me the way I am. I like showing up at the tennis courts and surprising my parent’s friends by showing them that they have another daughter. I like being the odd one out. I also like talking to my dogs, because, frankly, I like them more than I like most of the people I’m around most of the time. I know a lot of people think of me as the weirdo and the kid who doesn’t fit in with the crowd, but unlike in elementary and middle school, I like being different. I know that it can be hard to not have friends and to feel like you don’t belong. You most likely don’t belong, and that’s okay, because if you don’t belong, then there’s nothing for you to be left out of. Live your life the way you want to live it and don’t care what other people think, because if you do, you’ll spend your whole life trying to impress people. You lose sight of what’s really important - yourself. I look back on all the time I wasted in elementary and middle school and my freshman and sophomore year of high school trying to fit in and try-

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ing to be cool, and it’s lame. It’s lame to be After leaving the hospital, my mom cool. Be you; and you’ll be happier than moved in with my grandmother to get you can ever imagine. help. Everyday after school I would go over to my Mimi’s to help my grandmother out while she took care of my younger Good job, Lauren. brother. I could tell my mom’s spirits were down. She never wanted to do the same We are so proud of you. things she used to do before her surgery. I Love, Mom & Dad!! clearly remember talking to her about what all she had to look forward to in the future. Her getting to see her kids graduate from high school and college, seeing 74 us get married and raise our own children.

Anna Grace That seemed to help a little but yet she Shannon would never want to go to therapy either.

Second Place – The doctors said she would never get betNarrative/Essay ter if she didn’t start moving around and Eleventh Grade getting active. I would try to take her outSaltillo High School side to get some fresh air at least once a day.

A year had gone by and still no healthy mom. It wasn’t a year and a half, and we “Always There” were back in the hospital with breathing problems and fluid on her lungs. The It was the strangest thing I had ever doctors told us she was too weak to be seen. With tubes and wires, there lay my getting tests run on her and that she helpless, sick mother. I had the feeling wouldn’t make it through. I remember my where all I wanted to do was take the pain grandmother getting so mad at the docaway from her. Seeing her all wired up tors and nurses and telling them they best with the heart monitor beeping constant- find a way to keep her alive. So they called ly, I remember asking God, “Why her? the Tupelo hospital to do the risky tests.

Why my mom?” I was confused and hurt. Leaving the room, I helped my mom pack All I wanted was an answer. her things. She told me that she knew she My mom and I had a great relation- was going to die. I told her no she was ship. Yeah, we had our fights and dis- not! That we were going to get those tests agreements, but we always seemed to done and get her back home. I remember work. My parents had been divorced for her telling me, “Dr. Smith said goodbye to sixteen years now. During the school me but told you he’d see you later.” I week, I would stay at my dad’s to help my thought of what she said the whole ride to mom out. Every weekend I would go Tupelo. I prayed to God to let these tests spend time with her – always having a go good and let me take my mom home good time. healthy.

The day my mom was admitted to the When we arrived in Tupelo, the docemergency room was the scariest day of tors ran the tests with no problems at all. my life. She was having trouble breathing, I thanked God that day. We had some bad so we took her to the hospital. They ran news though – that another one of her some tests which took forever. Then, by arteries was blocked. They put her into the end of the day, the doctors said they surgery immediately. I remember holding found what they thought was the prob- my mom’s hand telling her she could do it! lem. She needed open heart surgery. Two That I had so much faith in her that we of her arteries were blocked, and she had made it this far, and we could get needed emergency surgery. The next day, through it. Those nine long stressful hours they put her in for a bypass surgery in the went by so slowly. The doctor came into Corinth hospital. Surgery took nine hours the waiting room with a very worried look to do. Surgery went well, but she was still on his face. I knew something was wrong. not breathing on her own. Doctors knew He told us that the surgery wasn’t going something wasn’t right, so they ran some the way he had planned it to go. That he tests and found that one of the arteries didn’t think she was strong enough to was leaking from the surgery. They put make it through. I held onto my sister as her back in and fixed the artery. A month tightly as I could. I cried. I clearly rememlater my mom was back on her feet and ber the doctor coming up to me. He bent able to go home.

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down next to where I was sitting and told me he would do everything he could to save my mother. That day was the scariest day of my life. Not knowing if I was ever going to see her alive again. After three hours went by, the doctor came back out and said, “She is a miracle.”

I went back into the room where she was sleeping so peacefully. I laid my head on her bed and put her hand on my lips. I prayed and prayed that day for God to heal my mom. The doctors let me stay later than usual which I loved.

Three weeks later and still no healthy mom. She just wasn’t getting any better and neither did we. The doctors didn’t know why. I remember those last couple of weeks I stayed day and night at the hospital. I would only go home to get a shower and a change of clothes. I missed a lot of school that semester, so Mr. Devoughn was so kind and froze my grades, which helped out a lot.

May 24, 2010, was the hardiest day of my life. We had to make a decision to either keep letting my mother suffer or take her off life support to be with the Lord. My whole entire family went into this little room to make a decision. We all made our own comments about what we felt like we should do. I told them what I thought, and I wanted my mom here. I know now I was being selfish, but all I wanted was my mom to be here with me and be healthy again. The doctor talked to me along about what he thought was best for her - that she didn’t need to be suffering. I didn’t like seeing my mom in pain, but I didn’t want her to know I made a decision on letting her die. That night she went to be with the Lord. We left the hospital, and everyone went to my aunt’s to sleep. I remember finding my younger brother in the bed peacefully sleeping. I curled up beside him and held him all night, wondering how I was going to tell him his mommy isn’t here anymore.

The visitation and funeral went by fast.

After the hard part was finally over, it was time to start to move on. That was the hardiest part to do. One day you have the person you love here, and the next they are gone.

I remember becoming depressed and never wanting to leave my house. My friends came and saw me, but I never wanted to go hangout for some reason. I felt like staying close to family that time. I knew I had to be strong for my sister and my brother, but it was so hard to.

A year has gone by and things are getting a little better. It’s still hard every once

GUM TREE WRITING CONTEST in a while, but I just keep remembering that one day I will see her again. I’ve gotten brave enough to talk to my younger brother about things like how he will be living with me and my dad once my grandmother passes away. He seems to understand, but I know it’s hard for him.

He is the bravest little boy I know.

I have learned through all of this that life is hard. Things happen, and you just have to deal with them. I know where my mom is, and I know I will be seeing her again one day. I can’t wait to see her beautiful smile again and her awesome hugs.

We are proud of you, Anna Grace!!

We love you!

From all of your family!

TWELFTH GRADE - POETRY

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

Just one student Just a single sound The opposing team will put him down The solitary student Indeed has support His peers will furnish fear When they all retort Now together they scream “Go Team, Go Team!”

As the endgame draws nearer, everyone’s eyes gleam.

The score is tied.

“Will we win?”

Thoughts process and spread as fast as the wind Time out.

Seconds remain. It’s our ball.

The coaches yell. Everything gets raw.

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Our players are out there. The clock starts back.

We run. We pass. The star player attacks.

The ball is in the air. The buzzer sounds.

It’s all quiet. We only have hope now.

Many put their heads down, “Please let us win.”

Then there was a break in the silence. *Swoosh* We’ve done it again.

The crowd is hysterical. Our team won.

Could they have done it? If not for each and every one?

Every face that shone at the gym? The guys painted up?

Cheerleaders leading chants? For every one that got “crunk?”

Some say, “Yes, all their skills are mean” I still say part of it is the support you show your team.

76 Courtney deLambert Second Place – Poetry Twelfth Grade Tupelo High School

75 Mason Tudor First Place – Poetry Twelfth Grade Tupelo High School

“Fanatical Support”

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“Nathan” Sixteen years.

Too short, or too long.

Depending on the counter.

Resting now, forever with him.

We cannot have you longer.

Pain replaces our joy.

Sadness, the only placeholder.

If bringing you back could be done, certainly it would.

Hold on fast, or so should we.

Not for understanding, but peace no less.

Rest sweet Nathan.

For here we wait.

Doubt clouds our eyes, where yours are clear.

Falling into open years, some wish to take your place.

Impossible is only this, for it was yours to have.

He needed you, not more than we, Continued on page 24

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but now he’ll have you there.

We will forget you not.

Rest sweet Nathan.

“We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” -- Aristotle.

(From your family)

77 Skye Palmer Third Place – Poetry Twelfth Grade Tupelo High School

“Seasonal Love” Baby you’re October chill, I’m trying to get all of you as if it were written in a will, Because it’s my right to be able to hold you.

Your love warms me, but keep me settled like the cool breezes from the spring time As the blossoms bloom I come alive when I’m next to you Your love is a blessing Thinking of you brings tears to my eyes As they begin to pour they resemble leaves from the fall I must confess, Baby you’ve got it all.

Talent, grace, and a face that I can never forget.

I’ve done a lot of wrong, but the decision to be with you is something I’ll never regret.

Faith is what brought me to you.

I believe the gods hand picked you to be my equal.

Our love is highly favored Negativity never seeps through As the winter cold begins to take way I know that I can hold on to you So as the snow falls and the sky dims When my whole world is grey I know that I have you to bring summer time my way.

TWELFTH GRADE - NARRATIVE/ESSAY

78 Dani Fraser First Place – Narrative/Essay Twelfth Grade Saltillo High School

“He Can Still Feel the Nails” It shouldn’t have come to this.

Six months ago, I was different: salutatorian, handsome, with a full-paid academic scholarship to MIT. Was it really just six months? Yeah, guess so. May 20, 2009 was the date when my life spiraled out of control. The graduation party was talked about for a long time. You know how people gossip, like, “Who did what with whom and when?” I thought I’d make a quick appearance with my girl, Leah. Then we planned to ditch and go to her family’s party for us. I wasn’t much into big parties. Looking at me now, my bloodshot eyes focused in front of me, you’d think I’d always been the life of the event or at least caused some kind of problem. No, I was a great kid, son, and student. Was. “Repent.”

That night, I had my first drink of alcohol. Straight whiskey. If there were a rewind button on life, I would go back and shake that stupid kid. Tell him to stop, that he was ruining his life. Why did I even take that shot? Oh, yeah; Bobby dared me, and, like a seven-year-old, I let him get under my skin. One shot led to eight rounds with Bobby’s gang of friends.

I was wasted. I couldn’t find Leah; the party was still raging. Bobby told me it was half-past eleven, and I knew I was in trouble: Leah’s parents’ party started at ten. I was late. And wasted.

“It’s not too late. Repent.”

I decided I’d call her the next morning.

Nothing I could do then, not with my mind feeling like an ocean. I lay on the couch when most of the partiers had left.

Bobby and the guys came in with cigs. I thought. They offered me one, and I accepted. Stupid, stupid kid. Weed on top of being drunk messes up your sense of judgment pretty bad. So, the rest of the night was uneventful. Smoking, drinking, then passing out at some point. Passing out: this guy looks like he’s going to pass out. I should feel bad, but my emotions are fried.

“I’m here.”

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My parents were totally ticked at my hung over-self stumbling at 7:00 the morning after. I was grounded for a while.

Being cooped up in that house made me want a smoke. I didn’t know why; maybe I just liked being a rebel. Whoever said marijuana isn’t addictive is wrong. Leah wouldn’t talk to me: said she didn’t know what to say. A month of being caged passed and I found myself with Bobby at a club with some friends. Funny how his dumb friends became my dumb friends. I decided to try some more things. Bobby’s hookup, MJ said you could stop crack anytime you wanted. He was wrong. I wanted to stop (kind of). I tried (not really). I don’t know if this metal in my hand is shivering from my withdrawals or if I’m crying.

“I’m here.”

Mom wanted me in rehab when she found out. I wanted it, too. I’d lost forty pounds. Looked terrible, so I went. I stayed clean for two months. I even started going to church. I got baptized when the preacher hit home preaching on the love God had even for scum like me. He didn’t say those words, but that’s what I heard. I believed it, that I could have a new life, maybe get Leah back, and go to college. Maybe grow up get married. I wanted to make my parents proud of me again. I was let out of rehab. I thought I could do it, keep clean. But standing here now, I know that never happened and will never happen for me.

“Yes, I’m here beside you. Give me your hand.”

Within two weeks of freedom, I was hooked on meth. I moved in with Bobby.

We threw parties every weekend. I started selling crack on the side. I felt bad when I sold to younger kids who were fourteen or sixteen. But when they showed me the cash, that bad feeling went away.

“I can save you.”

I was messed up, man. Living joint to pipe to needle. Sometimes, when I was real low, I thought about mom, dad, and the life I used to have before the party. I could’ve made something for myself.

When did I become this monster? I catch a glimpse of myself in the window of the shop. Who is that?

“My lamb. Let me help you. I’m here.”

I’m freaking out. I’ll be ok, though.

With another snort. Who is it hurting but me?

They twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head.

Another shot. But that’s why I’m here.

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In this store. I need money. But it’s this guy’s fault. He should’ve paid on time. I need the money now. But he says he doesn’t have any. I almost believe him, but maybe this gun will make him rethink that.

They hammered the nails in His precious hands.

It shouldn’t have come to this point.

This isn’t who I was meant to be. Why can’t I get better? I need help. I need help.

But I can’t let people know that he didn’t pay. They’ll take advantage of me; they won’t take me seriously. I need the money. If he’s gone, I can check the register. He looks scared. No one will care; I mean, it’s just one guy.

He lifted His head to the sky.

Yeah, I need the money. Who’s it hurting, anyway? It’s just one life. I need this.

It’s just one life. I need money. So I pull the trigger.

And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

For you.

79 Ron LaVigne Second Place – Narrative/Essay Twelfth Grade Tupelo Christian Preparatory School

“Never Judge a Book by Its Cover” Saturday, April 1, 2010 was a beautiful day in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Sam Claywood, a 17-year-old boy woke up late that morning, but as soon as he looked out his window, he saw how wonderful it was. That crystal clear sky was all the motivation he needed to rush out the door to begin his day. Just as he tied his shoes he burst out the door only to be met by his little sister Sarah, on the other side.

She begged him to take her to the park.

Sam thought to himself, “What if that was me, asking my big brother to take me to the park?” He caved. While they were on their way to the park, Sarah talked about her friend Emily at school and how she could make the best sandwich, and that’s when it hit him; Sam had not eaten anything, and he knew that the only way that his day at the park with his sister would be pleasant would be if he had a full stomach. All the talk about sandwiches made

Sam crave a meatball sub from his favorite fast food restaurant. Selfishly, Sarah convinced him to eat it at the park so he wouldn’t waste any more of her time. The smell of the sandwich made Sam’s minor hunger pains turn into what seemed like ravenous piranhas eating away at his stomach. Finally, they arrived, and there it was. It was the most beautiful site that Sarah had ever seen, not one person was on the swings. “I have it all to myself!” she thought as she was sprinting to the swings. Sam too saw the most beautiful site he had laid his eyes on, an empty bench to eat his sandwich.

As he sat down, he noticed a man on a bike headed straight in his direction. Sam began to unwrap his sandwich that now had steam coming from it. This older man was now riding right up to the bench that Sam was sitting on. He sat down directly in front of Sam and just as he was going to take his first bite that was about to feel like victory to him, the older stranger unexpectedly and loudly exclaimed, “Wow! That is a mighty fine sandwich!” Sam, with a raised eyebrow, took a good look at the man and saw that he had never been introduced to proper clothing, haircut, or shower. “This man looks homeless and hungry,” Sam thought with his stomach still growling.

“But I paid for this myself!” Sam argued with himself. The man had several scars on one side of his face. When he looked into the eyes of the older man, he saw a need, so he offered this man his sandwich. Without missing a beat, this man shouted, “Thanks!” and took the sandwich right out of Sam’s hands. Now, angry that the man was not more appreciative, Sam condescendingly asked if there was anything else he could do for him.

Shockingly, he replied, “Gotta few bucks you can lend me? And maybe that jacket of yours?” When Sam heard this, he was deeply moved. “Something has caused this man to be like this, and I want to know his story,” Sam thought. “O.K.,” Sam said, as he lifted up five dollars and took off his jacket. “I will give you this five dollar bill and my jacket if you’ll give me your name and tell me your story.” This story would not soon be forgotten.

Once the man finished his sandwich, he took the five dollars, threw the jacket over one shoulder, stood up, cleared his scratchy throat, and introduced himself.

“I am Private Andrew Smith, and I served our country during Vietnam. I have seen enemies crushed before me, innocent people sacrificied for the evil of others,

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and best friends die in the heat of battle.”

After saying this, he went on to talk about his best friend from high school with whom he went to war and how he lost him due to a tripwire. Sam’s heart cringed as he put himself in the situation. Sam asked about his family and why he wasn’t living with them now. What he heard next would bring him to tears. Private Andrew began to talk about how he had one younger sister that looked much like the girl on the swing, pointing to Sam’s sister, and loving parents, but lost them in a car accident while he was serving in the war.

Sam began to weep for this man’s loss but also because he could not bear the thought of losing his own little sister. Sam apologized if he seemed rude at the beginning of their conversation and said he would do anything to help that he could.

What happened next Sam will never forget. After talking to this man for an hour and fifteen minutes, Sam was moved to help this man immediately. He was ready to tell the world his story. As Sam began to brainstorm all these ideas to help Private Andrew get back on his feet, Private Andrew began to laugh uncontrollably. Sam was confused and was, quite frankly, insulted that he was laughing.

About that time, a child rode up on a bicycle that still had its training wheels and tugged on the man’s shirt. “Grandpa!

Grandpa!” she exclaimed. “It’s time to go back to your house!” Sam took it upon himself to inform her that she was confused and this was not her grandpa. “This is Private Andrew. He lost his family while he was at war,” Sam informed her. The child looked at him as if he were crazy.

Sam looked at who he knew to be as Private Andrew, only to hear him say, “April fools!” with a smirk. Before he could reply, a woman coming up the hill said, picking up her child, “There you are!

We’ve been looking for you everywhere!”

“I found Grandpa!” exclaimed the child.

“Come on, dad, we are late meeting grandma and grandpa, and you know how they get when we are late,” the woman said with haste. Sam’s jaw hit the floor as he watched an old man that just took his food, jacket, and five dollars walk away with his family who were supposedly dead. On that day, April 1, 2010, Sam Claywood learned to never judge a book by its cover. You might end up hungry, without proper clothing, and with no money.

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80 Leigh Ayers Third Place – Narrative/Essay Twelfth Grade Tupelo Christian Preparatory School

and she still didn’t know what to do. Jane frantically tried to calm herself down and convince herself to go through with the ceremony. “Jane...” She could hear her mother calling her from downstairs. “I’m awake! I’m coming!” she shouted back.

She scrambled to grab all the things she needed, her watch, phone, and sweater, and headed back down the stairs to the door. The usual mother-daughter prewedding conversation ensued. “I’m excit“The Perfect Wedding” ed, just a few wedding jitters.” “Oh, that’s It was a typically bright and breezy normal. You’ll be just fine,” Jane’s mother June morning. Jane reluctantly accepted assured her. I know she’s right. I just wish the fact that she needed to drag herself I could convince myself of that. She couldout of bed when the sun blinded her n’t rid herself of the sinking feeling in her through the windows. Then she remem- stomach. Her lifelong fears were beginbered, I’m getting married today. She ning to surface. Get yourself together, Jane! picked her watch up off the rustic, white You can do this. “You can do this,” she bedside table to check the time. A quarter muttered to herslef.

Just picture our life together...everypast seven. A nervous sickness suddenly thing we could do for our future children. overtook her, and she found it impossible But the uncertainties of life kept coming to accept the fact that she had to commit back.

Even the sights of the blue ocean, herself fully to another person on that very day. I love him...but what if some- white sand, and bright green plam trees thing goes wrong? What if we end up like couldn’t calm her nerves. It would the my parents? What if it doesn’t work out? ideal beach wedding she had always She found herself in a panic of “what if’s” dreamed of: white chairs, barefoot on the and suddenly, she came to a conclusion. I sand, a perfectly sunny day on the beach. can’t do this. I don’t want to disappoint Pull it together, Jane. You can do this. You anyone, but I can’t go through with this. A love him. I love him. I can do this. She piercing, ringing sound interupted her took a deep breath and put on the mask thoughts. Cody. Do I answer? What do I she always wore so well. A rush of people say? “I’m sorry?” “I love you, but I can’t greeted her at the entrance to the hotel marry you?” What if he hates me? She was where the wedding party would be running out of time. “Hello?” She stum- preparing. “Oh, I can just see the glow in bled the words out of her mouth. It was your eyes, Jane!” her aunt exclaimed. the usual good morning he always greeted “You look so beautiful! Cody is such a her with, just one of the thougtful things lucky man!” It was true. They were perfect he made a point to do. “I can’t wait to see together. Cody and Jane had always you, but more importantly, I can’t wait to known from the very beginning that they see what God has planned for our lives were meant to be – and everyone else together,” Cody said. How am I supposed knew, too. Nope, no questions asked – to break the news to him? “I can’t wait they were made for each other. Cody’s either,” she said out of habit. The phone dark brown skin and deep brown eyes call was over as quickly as it had begun, made the most wonderful contrast with Jane’s bright blue eyes and effortless, blonde, wavy hair.

Six long years Preschool* & Kindergarten Programs together, but they Currently enrolling for the school year flew by in what beginning September 2012 seemed like a minute to the two of them.

The Classes available for children engagement was ages 2 (as of 9/1/12) through Kindergarten long-awaited, not to mention perfect.

Please call 842-5681 to register A candle-lit dinner or for more information at sunset, with roses of course, on 400 West Jefferson Street • Tupelo Jane’s favorite spot

First Presbyterian Church

* celebrating over 20 years of excellence in education

DAILY JOURNAL

at the beach. Their relationship had always been that way, just like a fairytale.

Nothing had ever been so wonderful in Jane’s life. Her life was filled with heartbreaks and good-byes. Sometimes she wondered if happiness was really attainable in her own life. When Cody came along, she finally found a piece of that happiness she always dreamed of. “Okay, Jane. Are you ready to put on the dress?”

Her mother snatched her back from all the memories suddenly flooding her head. She smiled and nodded a quick yes.

What a perfect dress. What a perfect day.

What a perfect man. Of course I can go through with this. Why wouldn’t I? She slipped on her beautiful white gown and looked in the mirror. Perfect. “You look just like your mother, Jane,” her aunt whispered in her ear. She looked down at her grandmother’s old engagement ring on her finger and wished that she could be here, too. Maybe I would feel better if she were here. Maybe that’s why I’m on edge. She realized she had left her watch on. Almost twelve. It’s almost time. She loosened the latch, slid her watch off, and set it safely in her bag. “Jane, honey, let’s get your veil on.” She was starting to get nervous again. Calm down. Everything is fine. Everything will be fine. She led the bridal party down the stiars and to the tent to wait for the walk down the aisle.

She heard the soft piano in the background, soothing her nerves. I can do this.

Then the music got louder. The bridesmaids and groomsmen began strolling down the aisle. Then it was all her. Deep breath. She took her uncle’s arm and began to walk. Slowly. She could see him.

I wonder what he’s thinking? But she was getting scared again. What if we end up like my parents? What if we don’t make it?

What if something goes wrong? What if we end in divorce? She tried to look at Cody to calm herself, but her mind was overflowing and overwhelmed. I can’t do this. I can’t do this. I have to get out of here! She jerked from her uncle’s arm and ran. Jaws dropped. There was an undeniable tension in the beach air. “Jane!” Cody yelled after her, but she kept running, just like she always had.

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FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

|

Reed’s GumTree Bookstore’s Top 25 Children’s Books Compiled by Emily Gatlin

PICTURE BOOKS: The Little Engine That Could

by Watty Piper

(illustrated by Loren Long)

Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney Duck & Goose by Tad Hills I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen Mind Your Manners, B.B. Wolf by Judy Sierra A Visitor For Bear by Bonny Becker Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy The Books of Elsewhere by Jacqueline West The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage Ages 13+ The Fault in Our Stars by John Green The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern Legend by Marie Lu Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children by Random Riggs

AGES 7-9 Matilda by Roald Dahl Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

by Judy Blume

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein AGES 9-12 Alex Rider Series Savvy by Ingrid Law Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

by Anthony Horowitz

Reed’s GumTree Bookstore 111 South Spring St. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 842-6453 http://www.reedsgumtreebooks.com http://www.facebook.com/ReedsGumTreeBookstore

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