Fifth-grader MacKenzie Earl ranks high in the nation in writing
By Alice Felts
“Celebrating what is important to me” was the topic for an international essay competition for young people, a contest designed to promote student writing. For many, whether they are youngsters or adults, that would be a difficult subject to choose.
But for MacKenzie Earl, a fifth grader at Mary Walter Elementary School, it was easy. It was so easy for her that she was selected as a top-10 winner in her age category for fourth to sixth graders in the eastern part of the United States.
Thomas K. Worthen, Ph.D., editor of Creative Communications of Utah, said that approximately 3,000 students entered the essay contest, many of which will be published in the eastern edition of the company's anthology. Forty-five percent of the essays entered were chosen for publication. The company's staff narrowed approximately 1,200 essays down to 25, which were then judged by teachers and students in the midwest and west divisions. From these, the top 10 winners were named. And MacKenzie was one of them.
So, what was important to her? Recycling.
“This last year, I got really 'green,'” said MacKenzie of her interest in the environment.
While she has organized her home and family toward recycling efforts, she has bigger plans. This summer the 11 year old hopes to organize her neighborhood, and maybe her whole community.
Her enthusiasm shows in her extra-curricular projects and her school work. Combining all of her talents, she and the other essayists were judged on creativity, choice of topic, expression and composition.
“MacKenzie is an amazing writer,” said Pat Baker, the gifted-talented program teacher at Mary Walter. “She is passionate, sensitive, and knows her own voice. Her writing just flows. It is thrilling just to read her writing; she uses such expression.”
MacKenzie's winning essay was just the beginning. She has created recycling fliers for distribution and hats for the “staff.” She is working on her own Web site to promote recycling.
Rewarded for her writing efforts, MacKenzie received a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. She will be published with her own page in the eastern edition of “Celebrating what is important to me,” and receive a free copy of the anthology.
E-mail the reporter: afelts@timespapers.com.