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Published July/August 2002
By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist
Once again it is the time of year to read the winning essays from the West Central Florida Area Agency On Aging's "My Favorite Older Person" Essay Contest. For the eighteenth year, WCFAAA worked with the local county school systems, as well as many other sponsors to host this event. Home Front Magazine was honored to help sponsor the contest again this year.All essays are written by 5th grade students enrolled in either the general education or exceptional education program at their local school. These students were asked to write about an older person who has had a positive impact on their lives as well as someone who gives back to their community. This contest reinforces the importance of intergenerational relationships and helps to promote a positive view of aging. In May, winners were honored at an awards ceremony where the students, their families, friends, teachers and the essay "subjects" were all invited.
The following are the incredible winning essays from both Polk and Hillsborough County. As you read these touching papers, you see overwhelming proof supporting the argument for the importance of communication between the generations. We all have so much to offer one another. The smallest effort can truly make a world of difference.
Please note: Essays have been typed exactly as submitted
| First Place General Education Winner: |
| Hillsborough County |
| Name: | Kelly Valdez |
| School: | Essrig Elementary |
| Teacher: | Carolyn Nicoletto |
| Older Person: | "Pa Pa" Joe Lazzara |
As I was gathering information to write this essay, I decided to look up the word "inspiration" and see if I could use it to describe my favorite older person. It turns out that while this word is a great one, it doesn't come close to describing my grandfather. Papa, as he is known by nearly everyone is my buddy. Pull up a chair and I'll tell you all about him.My Papa, was born in Tampa, Florida on July 18, 1928. When he was only 10 years old, he started working every day after school and on Saturdays so he could help his mother and father put food on the table. He often tells me that he was so poor when he was a boy that he couldn't even pay attention. I know he's joking but in a way, he's also telling the truth too. He was very poor and had to work hard for everything he had. He loved to fish and found that he could sell the fish he caught to help make ends meet. He learned the fine art of cast net making and taught local fisherman how to weave intricate nets of all sizes.
Of course, since I've always known my Papa, I can only tell you my earliest memories with him. Believe it or not, I can remember him swinging me in front of his house when I was only a baby. He would sing songs to me in Italian. He and my grandmother used to take care of me while my parents worked.
My Papa married my Nana in 1950, right out of high school. He was called to service just a few months after they were married and he served this country in the Korean War. He raised two children, my mom and my uncle. My Papa and my Nana were the best of friends. She died in October of 1993 and was buried just one day before their 43rd wedding anniversary. He sent 43 red roses to the funeral home and thanked her for being his wife. He didn't think he could go on without her but he did. He still misses her and he visits her grave religiously, always taking fresh flowers and a little broom to sweep off her marker because, "she would want it that way".
Anyone that knows my Papa knows that he was a tough, rugged, macho kind of guy that was not afraid of anything and was so strong he was able to use his thumb nail as a screwdriver. Be that as it may, my Papa was never shy to show his emotional side. He worked very hard all of his life as a firefighter and by the time he retired, he had made it to the rank of Chief. He still can't tell stories about people or animals that he tried to rescuer from burning building that were not fortunate enough to survive. He also can't watch the events of September 11th on television either. He says it just hits too close to home.
Just recently, my Papa has shown just how strong he really is. He suffered a heart attack five years ago, he had an accident that nearly cost him four fingers on his left hand, and, just this past June, he had a problem with his stomach, something called a perforation. It was really serious and while he was in the hospital, he had a stroke too. I didn't know what all the big medical words meant but I knew how hard it was for me to see him every day in the intensive care unit, unable to open his eyes, or even breathe on his own.
For 41 days we waited for some kind of sign that he was going to wake up, something that told us he was hearing what we were saying. One of the nurses noticed that every time I talked to him, his heart beat faster. She suggested that I talk to him softly and ask him to open his eyes so I would know that he could hear me. I was holding his hand and I said, "Papa, it's Kelly, if you can hear me, please open your eyes." Although it must have been difficult for him, he struggled and opened his left eye. He did it and he added a tiny smile just for me.
From that moment on, I knew my Papa would be okay. He spent six more weeks in the hospital but finally made it home. He moved in with us so my mom could take care of him. The doctors said he only had a 10% chance of survival. I'm not that great at math but I know that 10 out of 100 aren't good. He surprised everybody but me with his miraculous recovery. I knew in my heart that he would be fine. Physically, he's not as strong as he used to be but that's fine with me. He's still cuddly and huggable and he lets me do all kinds of crazy things to him like putting bows and braids in his hair. He still sings silly songs to me too, mostly in Italian.
I really love and admire my Papa. I think he's a remarkable person and although he's been through so much, he keeps on going. It makes me so proud to be his granddaughter. I learn something new from him every day. He still knows how to laugh and he's definitely not a quitter. He's shown me that, no matter how hard things are, if I stay focused and work hard, I'll be able to achieve anything. Who knows, with a little luck and a lot of practice, maybe I'll even be able to understand Italian one day.
So see, the word "inspiration" is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my Papa. He may be 62 years older than I am, but I just love spending time with him. He's truly a hero, in every since of the word and I'm so happy that he's mine. I'll love him forever.
| Second Place General Education Winner: |
| Hillsborough County |
| Name: | Megan Deeson |
| School: | Dale Mabry Elementary |
| Teacher: | Ms. Bondi |
| Older Person: | Murray Garrett |
His name is Maurice, but many, including me, call him by his nickname "Murray." His short silver, thin hair, big warm smile, and sparkling eyes can easily show who my grandpa Murray is.To begin, Murray is very talented. He is good with his hands. He is always working on a project. And when he starts, he is determined to finish and not give up once started. That is one of the reasons he is such a great role model. Sometimes, I'm lucky and get to be included on these projects. He has never said it to me, but I believe that he thinks that age doesn't matter. An example of why I think he has that belief is that he includes me, a young person, in many functions, as well as he, a senior citizen, is always up and running. He is not the kind of grandparent who is always reading or cooking (although he still enjoys doing that too) he is involved in many classes and more. Like now, he is currently involved in an Islam class to try to understand terrorists and Islam. He also takes weight lifting classes, and is involved in classes that discuss and learn about medicine and different medical topics.
Next, Murray is always there…for anyone. When I'm sad he cheers me up. When I'm bored, he always finds something to do with me. I enjoy, as well as love, spending time with my grandfather. Whether it's playing cards, to going on a cruise in Mexico, to me, it's all fun. Murray is also a friend to others; many of my close friends often know him as "Uncle Murray" or even "Murrah." He is always willing to help. This is his third year volunteering as a tutor at our school. He truly is always there for people. When I'm behind the plate playing softball, he is always there rooting me on. He sometimes appears at out of town outings. And if he doesn't attend, he always has a phone ready. People know they can trust him, with anything. People can count on him to help. Like a handy man only with more great features.
My grandpa is very smart. In a fairy tale he would have the role of the wise man. Through my 11 years of knowing Murray, I can truly say he has taught me more than anyone else. One of the most valuable things he has ever said to me is that he is scared of little, yet aware of almost everything, which helps me every day of my life. Murray helps me with class work guiding me most of the way. He explains work I don't understand thoroughly when others can't. He pushes me as well as motivates me to go above and beyond. He truly inspires me to try my best and really have fun in life.
I really hope that I can follow in his footsteps and become a great person like he is. And that I will have someone look up to me, like I do to him.
| Third Place General Education Winner: |
| Hillsborough County |
| Name: | Caitlin Wolf |
| School: | Hunter's Green Elementary |
| Teacher: | Ms. Kit Woods |
| Older Person: | John P. Bellotti, Grandfather |
Everyone has a favorite older person that changed their life. My grandpa, John P. Bellotti, is a man who changed my life and he inspires me everyday to do so many things.My grandpa is a very generous and caring man. My grandpa is always thinking of others and plans new ways to get warm meals to those who can't make it to the soup kitchen. He loves to cook and prepares big meals for everyone. In fact he likes to cook so much we call him "Che Poppi." He taught me that you can never be too old to help others.
Grandpa is a very humorous person. He loves to exchange jokes with everyone and make them laugh. When you're feeling down he is always the one to lift your spirits. He brings his humor into the soup kitchen and with this humor he inspires people to want to volunteer. The people he helps also enjoy his humor, because it brings a little bit of sunshine to an otherwise dull day. My grandpa always has a quick joke and a smile for everyone he meets. This has shown me that making people smile is very special. Not everyone has this ability and it is a quality that more people should have. Perhaps then the world would be a better place.
Perseverance is one of the most inspiring qualities that my grandpa has taught me. He is 74 years old and he isn't in the best of health. He had his leg amputated a few years back. At that time, we thought he would never walk again. He now has full mobility with an artificial leg. Another difficult problem I thought he wouldn't overcome was the loss of my grandma, two years ago. They had been married 50 years. He now has to take care of himself and the house. Rather then sit home, he volunteers to keep himself busy. This has taught me that no matter what life throws at you, you have to be strong go on, even though your life might not be everything you want. You can still give yourself to others.
John P. Bellotti is a true inspiration to me. I hope I have his guidance for many years to come even thought I know he will always be with me after he is gone.
| Fourth Place General Education Winner: |
| Hillsborough County |
| Name: | Emily Williams |
| School: | Dale Mabry Elementary |
| Teacher: | Ms. Bondi |
| Older Person: | Reverend Johnny Caphart |
When my beloved great-uncle fell ill, I was forced to enter a world I could have never imagined if hadn't viewed it through my own eyes. It was that of a nursing home. A wave of sympathy crashed over me from the second I set foot in the establishment. The people were so helpless and weak. I was astonished at everything I laid my eyes on. Some of the people were not lucid, and some of them behaved like I had never seen an adult behave before. They were so grateful and overjoyed even at the fact that a child had come to visit. I found it nearly impossible to say good-bye to their eager faces, so I stayed for hours. I'm not sure what caused me to continue the visits, but I think it was the little voice in me that told me I had touched other people's lives. Today, I visit regularly, know almost every patient by name, and take my adorable 5-pound dog along too. My life has been touched, as well.One day, I had the privilege of meeting perhaps one of the most remarkable men I will ever encounter in my life. His name is Reverend Johnny Caphart. He is an African American, and grew up facing the many challenges of the segregation in America that occurred years ago. Rev. Johnny was born December 14, 1935 in Houston City, Alabama. His father owned a small farm raising pigs, cows, and horses.
As a child, he became very familiar with the Bible and knew that he wanted to become a preacher. By the age of ten, he was traveling as far as New York and California to deliver the gospel. I admire his character. I can never stop thinking about what an awesome commitment that would be, to risk so much because you feel compassion for people, and to plant a seed in that person's heart that will stay there forever. The main way that Johnny was able to preach to so many individuals is because of another gift that was graciously granted to him by God. His voice. Even at the young ages of his life, his voice was so incredibly majestic, he attracted crowds of strangers who followed him to his destination. Then, he got the opportunity to preach to them at a different time and location. I can't help but be impressed at the intelligence he used to be able to use this gift to benefit others, I can't help but admire it. He continued singing and preaching through college where he attended Selma University. After he had completed school, he joined the army. He served in the army from 1951-1968. He was a chaplain, and a singer for the troops during the Korean conflict. He also worked as a Captain's Assistant. He was married in 1975 and he had 14 children!
While he was stationed in Montgomery, Alabama, he was the pastor of a Baptist church. His church was two blocks away from the one pastored by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Reverend Johnny told me how all the blacks boycotted the buses after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to move to the back of the bus. The boycott lasted over a year! He participated in many of the marches of the civil rights movement. He told me how they were dragged from courthouse steps, and how they were threatened with guns. He talked about a white husband and wife that joined them in the march to Selma, who were murdered by snipers. I admire him, because in my opinion, the quality that most determined his success was his courage and bravery. They led him to victory throughout his entire life.
I am still awestruck at his positive attitude and faith, even through the many trials he has had. He is crippled now, and when he became crippled, his once steadfast wife left him. Yet he always has a smile on his face, a word of encouragement, and a song. He still preaches to large congregations, but he also preaches and sings every week at the nursing home. I admire his joyful attitude, which helps him not only go through life, but through it affirmatively.
| Fifth Place General Education Winner: |
| Hillsborough County |
| Name: | Natavia Wade |
| School: | Broward Elementary |
| Teacher: | Mrs. Brown/Ms. Veronica Borders |
| Older Person: | Mrs. Ruth Hodges |
My favorite older person is Mrs. Ruth Hodges. Mrs. Hodges is 75 years of age with a light complexion and is sometimes mistaken for Caucasian. She was born in New York City in 1926. She comes from a family of six. She is a born again Christian and an active member of Brown Memorial Church. She has one daughter and one son whom she adapted at the age of two from Haiti. She is retired with a fixed income. Her motto in life is "God helps those that helps others". She is very intelligent, acts as an inspiration to many others and me, speaks and interprets several different languages, and is also musically gifted.She is very intelligent because she has seven years of college from which she received two bachelors degrees. She home schooled her adopted burned son for many years because he required a lot of medical attention that would have caused him to miss many days of regular school. She and her son are both students at USF. Her son's G.P.A. is 4.9. She is a very busy woman who finds the time to assist me with my homework. She also tutors kids around the neighborhood, at her church, at the college which she attends, and personal friends at no cost. I came to know Mrs. Hodges through her helping me my math homework; she volunteers at the my mother's job with tutoring both adults and children with their work. She had been my grandmother's neighbor for several years they both attend the same church. They are very close friends, too.
She is my inspiration because she is a foster mother to an Indian girl, an African boy, a Santo Dominican girl, and two Haitian boys. She sends money each month to help these less fortunate kids with their education, clothing, health care and other things. She has been going to Haiti since 1969, making a difference in hundreds of Haitian lives by taking them food, items for personal hygiene, clothing, shoes, medicine, and other items. Her visit allows her adopted son to stay in contact with his biological family. She is saving money now to build a house in Haiti for her son's family. Mrs. Hodges is a loving and caring person whom I admire. She watched her mother commit suicide at a very young age. She could have easily made excuses to not finish school or attend college or help others in life. She enjoys helping others.
Mrs. Hodges can speak and interpret several different languages, including French, Creole, and Spanish. She goes around her neighborhood teaching Hispanic residents English as a second language. Most agencies would charge a lot of money for this service, but Mrs. Hodges is doing it for free.
She is musically gifted because she teaches kids and adults to play instruments like the guitar and the piano, and she gives singing classes at no charge. She gave my cousin Brittany piano lessons for one year. She knows how to play several songs, her favorite being "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." She also taught me how to play the piano and my favorite song is "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."
God gave her a gift to help others; God will reward her.
| First Place ESE Education Winner: |
| Hillsborough County |
| Name: | Juan Vasquez |
| School: | Walden Lake Elementary |
| Teacher: | Mrs. Vorderburg/Ms. Bulatko |
| Older Person: | Juan Martinez, Grandfather |
Do you have a favorite older person? Well I do, and he is my Grandpa. Here are some of the events that occurred before he became my Grandpa.First, before my Grandpa got old he went to the Navy to fight in the WORLD WAR II against the Japanese. They won and saved us and our Country, but my Grandpa got shot on the head. The doctors could not take the bullet because he would die so they left it there. He's still alive to this day.
Next, after coming back he became a cop. From there he took the position of being a captain. My Grandpa was a brave leader, he would take the chance of arresting the bad guys and to jail they would go, and most of them would stay there. My Grandpa stood up to vicious men because he was not to die. Now that's what you call a hero!
Finally, my Grandpa retired from all that action and turned to something more family related. He and his children with my Grandma, who now rests in peace, started a bakery in Mexico. His sons were very good at baking pastries, including himself. They made a variety of bread, and I know that it was delicious because I tasted some not that long ago.
In conclusion, many years have gone by and many things have changed but my Grandfather remains the same. In my eyes, he's not only my Grandpa, he's a hero that I admire for doing good deeds for his country Mexico, and mine, the USA. I love my grandfather, Juan, always
| Second Place ESE Education Winner: |
| Hillsborough County |
| Name: | Kelsey Flannery |
| School: | Westchase Elementary |
| Teacher: | Mrs. Crozier |
| Older Person: | Inge Turner |
My grandma takes a very special place in my life. These are the reasons why I love here so much. She tries so hard to do what the young people are doing. She also tries so hard to impress me , but most over all she loves me for who I am. That is why my grandma is my favorite older person. To begin with, my grandma attempts to keep up with the young people, sometimes it is funny to see what she does. For example, one year for Christmas, she died here hair green and red! My grandmother shouted, "All of you need to get in the Christmas spirit also!" We all just laughed and responded, "Whatever, grandma."
Next, my grandma is always doing something to impress me. Often, she tries a little to hard. For instance, since I play soccer, she decided to play soccer on a retired soccer team. But, it was a disaster! All of the people keep missing the ball and falling down. My grandmother quit after that game. She did not want to fall down and get hurt.
Lastly, my grandma loves me for who I am. No, matter what I look like or what I do, she always says, "I love you, Kelsey." That is one thing I love most about her, that she makes sure I feel loved. She also makes me feel that I can do anything I want to do, if I put my mind to it. My grandma is the best grandma a person could ask for.
Now, you understand why my grandma is my favorite older person. She attempts to keep with the young people, she tries to impress me, and she loves me for who I am.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE WINNING ESSAYS FROM POLK COUNTY STUDENTS.
Please note: Essays have been typed exactly as submitted
| First Place General Education Winner: |
| Polk County |
| Name: | Savanna Rose Plumlee |
| School: | Griffin Elementary |
| Teacher: | Ms. Betz |
| Older Person: | Ester Pollock |
My favorite older person is Ester Pollock, my grandma. In the next few paragraphs I am going to explain why she is my favorite older person.The first reason she is my favorite older person is when she was in eighth grade she dropped out of school to take care of her two younger sisters and her father. Her mother left the girls alone and because her father was disabled Ester was left to take care of them. While most young girls would resent giving up the opportunity to finish school and enjoy playing with friends, ester never complained about her situation.
Even though my grandma didn't get a formal education she has taught herself to read as well as any highschool graduate I know, she can also crochet, sew, quilt, and cook. Her food is delectable! Almost all of the food food my grandma maeks is from scratch, she even makes her own jellies and jam. My favorite is apple butter.
My grandma encourages me to set goals and never give up. She is my biggest fan, always supporting my extracurricular activities. I remember when she drove all the way to the other side of town to see me swim. Once she cam home from vacationing in North Caroling to see my choir perform. She often asks me to play the piano for her, she listen patiently, even when I struggle with the notes, and lavishes compliments, in spite of my mistakes.
I think what I admire most about my grandmother is her character. She is one of the most caring individuals you will ever have the priviledge of knowing. She shows a genuine love for people she takes time to visit the nursing home and drops in the neighborhood. Many times she will make a pie or prepare a special dish to take the shut ins she visits.
One more attribute that makes her an exeellant role model is her close relationship with her mother. Because of her of her forgiving nature she was able to restore her relationship with the person who left her when she was a young girl. My grandma's favorite quote comes from the scriptures it is "Look for the good and praise it." Even though her mother made a mistake she is still a wonderful person. She loves he mother very much and has never said anything unkind about her. I don't know if I could be that forgiving.
Because of Ester Pollock I have some of an idea about what I would like to be like some day. My grandmother is my favorite older person and I respect that about her.
| Second Place General Education Winner: |
| Polk County |
| Name: | Derek Michael Scott Zellner |
| School: | Garden Grove Elementary |
| Teacher: | Mrs. Cramp |
| Older Person: | Benjamin James Weiss |
I recently lost my favorite older person, my Grandfather, Benjamin James Weiss. He is commonly know as "Pops" to me. He is number one with me because he served in the Navy, he was a comedian, and he was just plain fun to play with.For one, he served in the Navy and he was under age. He was only sixteen and was in two wars, W.W.II and the Korean War. Some of our last times together he told me, "It was a hard time during training; they put me in a underwater chamber and I had to use air bubbles to find my way out. It was very dark and cold." He carried a D5K Deustch and gave it to me, as well as his Navy suit, sword, and medals. But, I don't get the gun till I'm eighteen. His sub. Number was 403. I loved to hear about this story and much more.
Another reason why he is my favorite older person is he was a comedian with his wife. They were known as the TERRYS. He made millions laugh, an awesome way to make a living. He whistled and sang silly songs. Sometimes he imitated Elvis Presley. He taught me to always have a sense of humor and love life to its fullest.
The last reason why my Grandfather is my favorite older person and I can't possibly share all of my wonderful memories with you. But at the hospital at the end of his life, he allowed me into his hallucinating dreams, and we played and picked golden coins out of the sky and that was the last time we spent together. It was wonderful.
In conclusion, the President of the United States hung a flag at the White House at half mass in honor of my "Pops." Then two Naval officers from Washington D.C. delivered the flag to my Grandmother on the day of his funeral, pretty awesome; pretty cool. Na, nothing compared to our long talks when we fished and caught Big Mouth Bass and the wonderful times we spent. "POPS" will always be my favorite older person and will always be a part of me.
| Third Place General Education Winner: |
| Polk County |
| Name: | Ali Cahalan |
| School: | Lincoln Avenue Academy |
| Teacher: | Mr. Bourgeois |
| Older Person: | Warren Sindorf |
My favorite older person is like Superman, strong, brave, and courageous. He has led an exciting life and overcome many obstacles.His name is Warren Sindorf. He is a great friend of mine, and since both of my grandpas have passed away, he is like a grandpa to me. He survived the crash of a DC-9 Jet in a rainstorm heading to Atlanta. He was one of seven survivors, and during it he lost his leg. How he deals with his situation is amazing. This 6'1" 88-year-old man goes down to the YMCA everyday and works out, and yes I did say he was 88-years-old. He taught my mom and sister how to work out at the YMCA, and I used to always tag-along. As I got to know him, he has come to all of my games, birthdays, and recitals.
He is a very big inspiration to me. I was just diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) in my knee. At first I thought it was the worst thing ever. I am very athletic, and with JRA I can't play the sports I used to. I used to think life was over, but knowing how he deals with the difficulties of his missing leg, he has inspired me to learn new sports and overcome it. He is a miracle to me!
I always thought that a caterpillar turning into a butterfly was a miracle, so I gave him one on his birthday. When it turned into a butterfly, we let it out in my backyard together. It was a terrific experience, and just like a butterfly, he has helped me to open my wings and fly away. He is a miracle, and my favorite older person.
| Fourth Place General Education Winner: |
| Polk County |
| Name: | Kayla Birkner |
| School: | Southwest Elementary |
| Teacher: | Stacey Roddenbery |
| Older Person: | Eloise Robinson |
Eloise was a very important older person in my life. Eloise was my babysitter. She taught me to read and write. She also taught me to color, paint, and draw many beautiful pictures. She taught me things she shouldn't have. Things like jumping on furniture. Sometimes I was punished but I never got mad at her and I loved her. After Eloise passed away my mommy told me that our love needn't be physical because she'd have a place in my heart.I spent hours and hours with her, Almost even more than my mom. Every time I went over to her house I played in her jewelry box. It was filled with the most beautiful necklaces. I was entertained for hours! Eloise and I had a special bond, cherries kept that bond together. A memory I'll never forget is Eloise rocking me. I was six years old and weighing sixty pounds and was still rocked to sleep.
When Eloise died she gave me her closest possessions. She gave me a doll with a beautiful blue gown and bonnet. She left me her jewelry and jewelry box. She gave me an Easter snowglobe. The glass is now broken but, I kept it anyways. My mom gave me a necklace with a butterfly on it. The butterfly means Eloise has left all the pain that she'd been fighting and could now be free with all the angels.
Eloise died from breast cancer a few years ago. I saw her the day before she passed away. That's when she told me that she would love me forever and that even death couldn't tear our love apart. Now she's in Heaven where she had no more pain but, I still miss her. She was more to me than a babysitter, she was a part of my family, a part of me. She is still in my heart where she will be forever
| Fifth Place General Education Winner: |
| Polk County |
| Name: | Andrea Creigh Farinas |
| School: | Lincoln Avenue Elementary |
| Teacher: | Mr. Bourgeois |
| Older Person: | Zoila Farinas |
My Abuela (Grandmother) may not be a millionaire, a famous actress, or the Vice President of the United States but to me she is my favorite older person, a teacher, but most of all she is my hero. She is 77 years old and she still helps others whenever she can.My Abuela is a very hard worker. She came from Cuba to become a missionary in Spanish churches here in America. She learned English while trying to help my father succeed in first grade. He was going to fail because he didn't know English well enough. My Abuela worked with him for six long years, by the end of that time my father had improved so much that later on in his life he became an English teacher. My Abuela took care of my Abuelo (Grandfather) after he had open-heart surgery. She was (and still is) very frugal so she could support her family. In order to survive she had to be very emotionally strong. I admire my Abuela for all of her hardwork.
My Abuela had many different jobs throughout her life. She was a missionary until she retired and considers it to have been her main profession. Her other jobs paid for her to continues as a missionary after Fidel Castro took power in 1961. She was a seamstress when my father was young. When my father was older she helped run a craft store with my Abuelo. When my father was in high school she became a cashier at Publix. She helped others by driving adults to night school and assisted those who did not speak English to find jobs. I respect her for being able to have so many jobs in her life.
She does so many things for my family. Every time that we go down to Hialeah she teaches me and my little sister Caley, Spanish. She also teaches my sister and me how to paint. At dinner at Abuela's you can always count on some of her special homemade Cuban food. At bedtime she sets up a bed for my sister and me on the floor, turns on the nightlight, and crawls into bed with us. She gives us so many of her paintings to take home that our dining is full of them. Sometimes instead of calling it the dining room we call it Abuela's Room.
Abuela is my hero because she has a heart of gold. She also is a person who has made it through so many obstacles. My Abuela is all of the things that I have said and more. She is a hardworker, a teacher, and my hero. She will remain this way in my heart for the rest of my life. That is why she is and will always be my Abuela.
| First Place ESE Education Winner: |
| Polk County |
| Name: | Austin Bruce |
| School: | Highland City Elementary |
| Teacher: | Heather Wallace |
| Older Person: | Mildred Brewington |
I'm going to tell you about the most awesome person in the world and it is my Granny. She is the nicest person that I know. She always comes right up to me and gives me hugs and tells me that she loves me whenever I see her.My granny is always thinking of others first. If someone calls and wants her to take them to the store, doctor or anywhere she will drop whatever she might be doing and take them. You don't have to worry if she has time for you because she will make time for you. She takes care of elderly people, even older than her. This is her part-time job. When she is not at work she is taking care of my dog names Hercules that she let come live at her house. When she feeds my dog she will make gravy to go over his dog good. That is the only way he will eat it, now that she has spoiled him.
My granny is the best cook. She cooks all those big meals, with a little of this and a little of that. My favorite food that she cooks me is macaroni and cheese and also ham.
My granny is always trying to teach me, my brothers and sister right from wrong. She wants us to live a good clean life she tells us. She teaches us not to litter and not to fight.
My granny is the one person that would make this world a better place to live in if she could. She always goes to church and reads her Bible. The only time she misses church is if she is sick. When I talk to my granny on the phone she is always telling me that she prays for me. I wish that I could say a prayer for her and she would live forever.
| Second Place ESE Education Winner: |
| Polk County |
| Name: | Donelle Moore |
| School: | Palmore Carlton Elementary |
| Teacher: | Mrs. Vaughn |
| Older Person: | Ruthie Glover |
The favorite person I admire is my grandmother Ruthie Glover. Her age is 70 years old. She loves helping people, she helps poor people by giving them money. Some holidays she has cook out. She will invite poor people over to have a great time. My grandmother will go to her job and help sick children. She will fix them vegetable soup and read them books. One day a reporter heard that my grandmother Mrs. Glover was helping poor people and taking care of sick children. The, "asked my grandma will she likes to be in the Ledger news paper?" My grandma, "said Yes." The reporter wanted my grandma to start tomorrow. So my grandma droved home and ran to the phone to tell my mom. When my mom heard that my grandma was going to be in The Ledger news paper. My mom started screaming. My grandma put on her pajamas and went to bed. In the morning my grandma got dress and went to the reporter office. They took pictures of her giving a poor man $10.00 bill. And took pictures of my grandma helping a sick man. They also asked question to go in the news paper. She told the man why she help people. Than she droved home and sat on her chair and dies of a hearttack. We had her funeral on Saturday. At her funeral I talked about how she made me proud and helped people. Two days pasted Her first news paper came out I kept one and put it in a safe place. She always be in my heart for ever
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You are not alone | Come and get it | Then and now
Small blessings | Fun pages | Advertising | Helpful links | About Us
© Copyright 2002 Home Front Magazine. All rights reserved.
Hosting by FN Publishing