6 months ago
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Every line they write might be considered priceless. The 500-word essays the students compose about community service could win them prize seats at the Inaugural Parade.
"My community service is very helpful because it shows people how to be grateful and share their belongings," wrote Jordan Reaves, a 6th grade student.
She and other kids in Language Arts classes at Sousa Middle School are perfecting every paragraph. Their compositions for the Presidential Inaugural Committee could get them three seats near Barack Obama at the Inaugural Parade.
"I'll just be happy. I don't want to get overexcited," said Marquez Rosebure.
The Southeast Washington student wants to stay calm while he and the other kids work on completing their essays.
"I've been influenced by so many people, and I see a lot of stuff that I think I want to change," said Reaves.
Another 6th grader, Shaquan Reed would like to get close enough to ask the new President a few questions.
"Can he like help our community be more better and bring joy to our community?," she said.
The students' teacher says the kids have been talking about the President-Elect for months. She believes they are getting more than a chance to win parade tickets.
"They've been so excited. So, I'm excited for them to just really invest themselves in something that has to do with this becoming part of history," said Erin Fisher, 6th grade teacher.
Fisher says writing is often painful for children. She is glad to see they care about this assignment. Some of her students are also concerned about the President-Elect fixing some of the problems in their neighborhoods.
"We hear shootings most of the time. The fights, the smoking and the trash," said Rosebure.
The young writers already find their own efforts to help the elderly and the homeless rewarding.
"It brought joy to me and I got so happy," said Reed.
District children attending private and public middle and high schools in the city are eligible to enter the contest. Parents and guardians can also send their kids' essays.
The deadline for submissions is Sunday, January 11th at 11:59 p.m. Essays should be sent to www.pic2009.org/dcstudentessay
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