md news vol.51 Vol51 | Page 23

The Mater Dei Writing Showcase, 2016 *** Results for the M4–M5 Division *** By Dr. Nyle Spoelstra and Members of the English Department For this special Commemorative Issue of Mater Dei News, which honours His Majesty, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, participants in the M4-M5 Division of the Mater Dei Writing Showcase were invited to write an essay on the topic ‘Our Beloved King: What He Means to Me’ More than 300 essays were submitted. The initial judges shortlisted twenty-one essays, from which ten finalists were selected. These finalists then met with a teacher-‘editor’ to correct errors and to polish their texts for the final judging. Because of the generally high standard, especially for M5, it was eventually decided to judge M5 separately from M4, thereby increasing the number of awards available. We are pleased to present on the following pages six winning essays from M5 (there were ties) and three from M4 for your enjoyment. (These essays have been further edited for publication.) M5 Division: Our Beloved King: What He Means to Me First Place, M5: Ms Piyarat Bhatararat (Room 4) Our King is like our father. He takes care of us as His children. We love our King very much since He worked really hard for the country. I adore Him with all my heart. Since I was young, I have heard the news and things He has done for Thais. I have heard lots of songs He wrote and played. He has inspired me to do many things, such as playing the piano, working hard for others and being kind to others. He is my role model for being a good person, and always wil be. Even if He did not know me, He always taught me. He was a hard-working man. He worked all the time, even when He was in the hospital. When He was young, He travelled to many countries to establish good relationships. After He had travelled around the world, He never travelled again. He worked for Thais full-time. He taught Thais to live simply. He solved many problems in Thailand, such as floods and hunger. He taught me to do more good things for others. 20 Mater Dei News ฉบับที่ 51 ปีที่ 13 ปีการศึกษา 2559