CMM extended an offer to sixth grade classes across the Midlands to select a student representative from each school for submitting an essay in our first CMM Young Creatives Competition. We were so pleased with the entries and offer our compliments and best wishes to all the young writers who competed. A special congratulations to Mercedes Dubberly who won! Mercedes is 11 years old and is in Kelley Dinkins’ class at Dent Middle School. Her favorite subject is French, and she enjoys soccer and dance.
Honorable mentions for other outstanding essays are: Ty’Lan Nelson at Summit Parkway Middle School; Jayashree Adivarahan at Dent Middle School; and Ava Grace Fowler at Pleasant Hill Middle School. We proudly print the winning essay while Honorable Mention essays and student photographs are published online at ColumbiaMetro.com.
My Favorite Summer Memory
By Mercedes Dubberly
Throughout my summer, I enjoyed participating in various activities. From adventure-seeking tasks like surfing or hiking to more relaxing occupations like reading books in my hammock. However, one particular memory stands out more in my mind than any other.
It was a beautiful day at the beach, one of those days when you wake up and the sun is brightly shining through your window. I just knew I would have a great day. I walked into the kitchen of our spacious condo to see what delicious meal my mom was preparing for breakfast. It was pancakes, my favorite. Soon, my other siblings woke up and we stuffed ourselves with warm syrupy goodness. After breakfast, we went down to the beach to play in the sun, sand, and waves.
As soon as we claimed our spot on the soft, white sand of the beach, I inhaled, welcoming the salty air. I wiggled my toes in the sand and stared at the sun shining on the blue water. The ocean called to me like an owner calling their beloved dog. Without a moment of hesitation, I skipped down the beach with my surfboard tucked tightly under my arm. Bypassing the cold sting of the icy, blue familiar water, I plunged right in and waded out deeper to wait in position for the perfect wave.
It finally came. My wave was big and loud, but it was music to my ears. I jumped on my board and rode all the way to shore, just like a pro! I caught a few more waves, then joined my brother to build a sandcastle.
The rest of the day was just as incredible. I spent some time at the pool, went down a huge waterslide, played Marco Polo, and relaxed on a lounge chair with a smoothie. Not only did the day start well, it ended in one of the best ways too: ice cream sundaes.
My mom made them for the entire family for dessert and we gobbled them up on the balcony. Since it was a clear night, we could see the stars and even the stunningly bright full moon. It has truly become my favorite summer memory!
My Nostalgic Memories in India!
By Jayashree Adivarahan
My body was packed with vitality, though it was late at night! I clambered down from the taxi and ran into the open arms of my grandparents in Chennai, India. After warmly greeting my relatives, I sunk into bed after two tiring days of travel.
The next morning, I awoke to my four-year old cousin, Bhargav, at my feet. He seized my hand and dragged me to a hot balcony. The climate here is tropical, so many mosquitoes swarmed over my head. We gazed at the hustle and bustle on the streets. I was surprised to see many children walking to school with heavy bags on their shoulders. Vendors strolled across the streets selling vegetables. In spite of the beads of sweat glistening on my forehead, I enjoyed the peacefulness of this majestic country. “Time for lunch!” called my grandma. I could smell the lovely aroma of the mouth-watering spices!
On my birthday, Bhavya, my best friend, came over to our house. We decided to take a trip to Black Thunder, an amusement park. We were brimming with excitement as we climbed up the Dragon coaster! We climbed into the cart and clutched the railings. The coaster gradually creaked to life. We shouted with glee as it soared down its decline. We enjoyed other coasters and intriguing games such as bumper cars! Our next stop was the water park. My favorite was the huge water slide, for the cool water felt soothing on our weary faces.
On India’s Independence Day, a fireworks display takes place. In the evening, we all stepped outside into the packed streets. To my surprise, my grandpa came out with a box full of firecrackers! What a spectacular sight! BOOM, POP!!!!! The fireworks soared up into the sky, and then gradually disintegrated. The night sky was filled with color and excitement. After the show, we ate an elaborate Indian meal at a restaurant and visited some shops. There, we bought elegant dresses and jewelry.
Before I knew it, two months had flown by. I had to return to Columbia, as the next school year awaited me. My emotions were conflicted for I felt a deep sadness due to my departure, but also excited for my new adventure as a Blue Diamond in middle school. I soon boarded the flight with nostalgic memories, already thinking of my next remarkable adventure in India!
By Ava Grace Fowler
When my parents said that we were going to the beach with our cousins and other relatives I was so elated. Even though I knew we’d all be cramped up in a small beach house. The first thing that we did was get on our bathing suits and sunscreen. When we finally got a park near the beach we all sprinted out of the car, and grabbed something from the trunk. Normally when I go to the beach I just pick up shells and swim, until I saw something glimmer and swim away. I rushed to get one of the rusty fishing nets and caught a fish. When I looked at it, it had a bright yellow stripe, and a really big eye. After putting it in a container with water, I showed it to my parents, my dad said he had no idea. Then I tried to catch more fish, meanwhile my cousins and siblings watched the fish carefully. It wasn’t long before I caught a crab or two either. When we left my aunt looked at my back, it was as red as a lobster from be hunched over like Egore, but it was worth it.
The next day I went swimming, by the way it was low-tide. Then all of a sudden I felt something slimy against my leg, so of course I screamed. But it turns out it was just a wad of seaweed. When I took a closer look at it my brother pointed out that there were petite shells all over, they were hermit crabs. After that all the kids in my family started making an enclosure for the sea animals we caught. It was really cool, until the bigger crabs started eating the minnows, so we put them into different jars.
On Wednesday it was muggy, so we went to Painter’s ice cream, Lazy Gator, and on the marsh walk with our dogs Cash, and Dixie. It was fun and adventurous. I got mint-chocolate-chip ice cream, and a bright orange shell. On our last day we packed up all of our stuff and went out for lunch, then we left. Over all it was a great experience with my family.
The Greatest Summer
By Ty'Lan Nelson
I have a lot of memories from last summer but I have one specific favorite memory. It all started the last day of school in fifth grade. Everybody in my class was staring at the clock. One more minute until the bell would ring. It felt like a year for the bell buy finally Ring! Ring! Ring! All I could hear is the scream of happiness. Ahh my classmates.
As soon as I walked out the classroom marching proudly, I had to wait a long time. Children were blocking the hallway and crying though. I stayed tough and strong as an ox but as soon as I got home I was weaker than a kitten.
A few minutes after I arrived home we left to go to Florida Beach. My brother and I were excited for the trip but we both hated waiting. Nearly an hour went by and we are still stuck in traffic so I decided to take a nap.
I was in luck because as soon as I woke up we were already in the hotel parking lot. The hotel was close to the ocean so it was like I could just feel being in the water and being cooled off from the sun's hot rays. When we finally got into our hotel room it was gigantic. Me and my brother looked in shock. It was like we were just reading each other's mind as we ran to jump on the bed. The hotel had a sixty inch flat screen tv.
Later that day, we went to the ocean after eating Pizza Hut's pizza. It was delicious. I enjoyed the pizza very much.
We played in the ocean water. It made me feel like a comfortable dog in his soft bed. My favorite part of going to the beach was being in harmony with the ocean waves. Being at the beach is my favorite thing because it brings up good memories when I was a younger child.
It started getting late and I was very tired, so I layed down thinking what a fun family I have. That made me very thankful.
The great days like this one only happens with your family. What is your favorite summer memory?
