The Kentucky Association of American Mothers, Inc. is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 5th Grade Essay Contest "What My Mother Means to Me."
Chris Chu, a fifth-grader at Goshen Elementary was inspired to write this essay because his mother is not just a caring mother, but also his best friend, teacher and coach. His essay, "What My Mother Means to Me," won first place in the state contest sponsored by American Mothers, Inc. (AMI). His essay will compete at the national level. The winner at the national level will be announced during American Mothers, Inc. National Convention held in Portland, OR on April 24, 2009.
American Mothers Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the moral and spiritual foundation of the family and home. "The strength of our future is our children," said Betsy Lowe, State President and AMI National Literacy Chairperson. "I especially enjoy supporting this program because it encourages children to take time to think about what their mother does for them, as well as promote writing and communication skills. I love reading these thoughtful essays. They touch my heart."
There were 98 participants from the around the state, 42 participants from Oldham County in the essay contests. Chu's essay took first place in the state. Three students from Harmony Elementary took second, third and Honorable Mention. Heather Wiley took second place. She states, “I couldn’t live without her, it would be like breathing with no air, seeing with no color, and reading a book with no words”, Kaitlyn Hampton, took third place sharing how her mom shows love for her, and Victoria Hafner’s essay was so impressive she received an Honorable Mention. In her essay she shares how her mother helped her cope with an alcoholic dad and divorce."
Participants in the American Mother's Fifth Grade Essay Contest were required to write a 150-essay essay entitled "What My Mother Means to Me." The contest was open to all fifth-graders in the state. A team of sixth grade teachers from North Oldham Middle School judged the contest using the Rubric Scoring Guide for paragraph, report and essay writing.
American Mothers, Inc. State President, Betsy Lowe of Prospect was at Harmony Elementary School on Tuesday, April 14 to present the three winners from that school with certificates. The presentation was shown on their video morning announcements. She was at Goshen Elementary School on Tuesday, April 21st to present Chris Chu his certificate in front of his 5th grade class. It was broadcast on the school news the following morning. An official awards ceremony will be held at the next American Mothers, Inc. State meeting where each of the winners will be recognized. "They are touching," she said. "They show excellent use of creative expression and language skills."
This is the fifth year for the contest, and Lowe said she appreciates the efforts of schools to create more involvement in the program. She said she hopes the contest doubles in size next year.
The theme is the same, and the winners again will be announced before Mother's Day. The Entry form can be downloaded from
http://www.americanmothers.org/.
Winning Essays reveal writer’s hearts
First place: Chris Chu
Prospect
"Everyone thinks his/her mom is special in many different ways. I consider my mom is not just a caring mother, she is also my best friend, teacher, and coach for life.
Doctors delivered the dreariest news to my mom when I was three years old. "Autism Spectrum Disorder." They predicted I will never be able to catch up with my peer group, academically or socially. That broke my mom's heart. Fortunately, mom never let those words stop her from helping me to achieve my highest potentials. For years, I was reading without comprehending. Mom would spend endless hours reading with me, made sure I understood every word I read. Whenever, I behaved improperly, mom always took time to explain and correct my mistakes.
Today, I am still struggling with many difficulties. But with my mom's help, I am confident, I will be as successful as any of my peer groups. Thank you mom!"
Second place: Heather Wiley
Goshen
What my mom means to me, my mom means endless hugs on depressing days. She means being the loudest when she cheers me on in Cross Country. Where would I be without food, clothes, a clean house and love? Nowhere. Well, that’s what my mom does. You always know she’s there for you. When you are sad, angry, frustrated or even annoyed she’s there. I love my mom and she loves me. My mother means giggles over silly mistakes, making funny noises on glum days, watching T.V. together, laughing ‘til we cry. My mom in my dictionary means “special.” There’s no one better than my mom. I couldn’t live without her it would be like breathing with no air, seeing the world with no color, and reading a book with no words. It’s just not possible. My mom is the world and more. Thank you mom for everything you do!
Third place: Kaitlyn Hampton
Goshen
My mother means the world to me. She takes care of me when I’m sick and buys me dogs. See how nice my mom is.
My mom helps me when I’m sick by taking my temperature about every hour. She also buys me ice cream even if I’m sick. There was this one time when I was sick with a fever. My mom bought me a new jacket and two little ice cream cups.
My mom rocks because she bought me a puppy when we were moving. She bought me the puppy so I wouldn’t feel bad when we moved. Once we got to Kentucky I didn’t feel sad because my dog is energetic exciting and funny. So probably no mom has thought of that when they moved.
Thank you for reading my piece now. I hope you know what my mom means to me. Now I hope you pick my piece.
Honorable Mention: Victoria Hafner
Prospect
My mom means the world to me. She did the most responsible action in someone’s lifetime. She made sure her children weren’t miserable. She conquered the pain that made her ache daily. How did she do this?
My mother put up with my dad while he was an alcoholic. She strained in his lies, insults, and threats. She made sure we were safe while my dad went out to have fun. She tried to help him recover and bring our family back together. She tried to save my tears everyday.
Surprisingly, she did eliminate crying. She did this by spending time and comforting me. It was just too much for her to fix a lifetime crisis. Everyday after the divorce, she talked to me and gave me advice. She paid money to let us talk and get advice from someone.
As I said, my mom did the most responsible action ever.
Above: Betsy Lowe, KY State President with Bobbie Burbridge Lane of the Burbridge Foundation.
Above: Ilene Barlow - National Awards Chairperson, Betsy Lowe - National Literacy Chairperson and Judith Joe - National Literature Chairperson.
Above: Connell Branan - Area V Coordinator, Ansley Barnett - Past NMYC, Kimberly Wright- 2009 NMYC, Kimberley Shelton - 2008 NMYC, and Betsy Lowe - KY State President, National Literacy Chair and past MYC (Ohio).
Kimberly with her husband!
After the Garden Tour, our expedition to us to the University of Portland for the unvailing of the "Walk of the Heroines - Legacy Walk." I felt so priviledged to be at the very special ceremony to see all the amazing work that had gone into making this beautiful walk and fountain in the name of famous women and mothers.
Later that evening was the Gala Dinner. What a spectacular evening. Ms. Betty Jean McGregor from South Carolina was named as the 2009 National Mother of the Year.
Mrs. Betty McGregor of South Carolina was named 2009 National Mother of the Year.
American Mothers, Inc. was invited to have a booth at "5th Grade Night" at Goshen Elementary School for the parents of rising 5th grade students. The night's intention is to prepare parents for what awaits them in middle school. We had our parenting class sign up sheet out, along with other AMI literature including the Mother's Against Abuse booklets - "In Control" and "Be Strong". 
