said that the awards
ceremony was nerve-racking
as the contestants had no
idea how they had placed.
There were 53 contestants in
all ? one student from each
state and one student from
some of the U.S. territories as
well. Charity also shared that
all of the participants really
bonded with each other and
it was sad to say goodbye.
Charity also shared with us
some of the details of her trip
to Washington. She got to
tour all over the capital. Her
favorite places that she
visited were the Lincoln
Memorial, the Holocaust
Museum, the South Korea
Monument, the Newseum,
and the Arlington Cemetery
Changing of the Guard. She
Lily C. won first place
for her city, Fairbanks, Alaska,
but unfortunately, she did not
advance past the state level.
Lily shared some of her
thoughts on the experience
and advice for her fellow
writers, ?...My favorite part
about this whole experience
is when you read your speech
to other people, and you get
to touch people?s hearts with
your words. My thoughts on
this whole thing---well: it?s fun
but a lot of work ? It looks
good on the college
applications.?
She added the process may
seem very chaotic; however,
don?t be discouraged. Other
tips she shad included, ?just
keep your mind open, explore
and don?t stay inside a box.
Help is always good, just don?t
have too much of it. Make it
fun, then make it serious.
Don?t let the crowd just hear
it, make them listen. In
addition, a random tip, drink
tea and eat grapes, it?s like
brain fuel.?
Congratulations to Charity H.
and Lily C.!
Top left, Charity receives scholarship in D.C.
On the left, Charity gets walked down the isle in
Washington, DC during the parade of winners.
Above, Charity gives her speech after winning
her state, Nevada.
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