The write stuff
Andrew Wainer
A Fountain Valley fifth-grader’s good karma paid off last week when he
won the top prize in a Thanksgiving essay contest sponsored by Mimi’s
Cafe.
Ryan Ross-Valencia, of Courreges Elementary School, won first place and a
$1,000 savings bond for his essay on an angel who feeds the poor during
the holidays. His story was chosen from among 2,500 contestants.
The “Write Stuff” writing contest drew 16 finalists from around the
Southland to Mimi’s Cafe in Newport Beach, where the winners were
announced.
The essay’s topic was “My Thanksgiving Wish.”
Although some of the finalists’ wishes included landing a good job and a
plush Thanksgiving dinner for their family, Ross-Valencia’s humble desire
to help those in need was indicative of the youngster’s personality.
“I was amazed at the level of his essay,” Ryan’s father, Garry, said. “It
was written from such a creative and selfless point of view.”
Ryan’s parents said their child is extremely socially conscious and even
chides them for wasting water when they let a faucet run too long.
“He is always reminding us of social and environmental issues,” Garry
said.
Ryan’s wish to help others in his essay is typical of his giving
personality, his parents said.
For his part, Ryan reacted to his prize with characteristic modesty.
“I feel good, I’m excited,” the 11-year-old said.
Mimi’s Cafe has sponsored the contest for the past six years, said Frank
Groff, the restaurant’s public relations spokesman.
Wednesday’s awards ceremony drew a dining hall full of proud parents and
students.
‘This is part of the cafe’s dedication to helping public schools and
education,’ Groff said.
All 16 finalists read their essays to the crowd before the winners were
announced.
Two other students were awarded $250 savings bonds.
Another Fountain Valley student, second-grader Colin Nieselman, was one
of the finalists.
In addition to the $1,000 savings bond, Mimi’s Cafe will pay for
Christmas dinner, in Ryan’s name, at St. Joseph’s Church in Santa Ana.
The church offers dinners to the homeless and poor during the holiday
season.
Garry Ross-Valencia said the whole family would be there to help serve
the meals.
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