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.