Alexa Rodriguez has won $50 for her first-place essay in a contest intended to heighten appreciation of the roles animals play in humans’ lives.
The Composition Challenge, sponsored by the Humane Society of the Flint Hills, evolved from the killings last summer of two black swans and two cereopsis geese at the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia.
Three juveniles, ranging in age from 11 to 13 years, were arrested for the crimes, including four counts of felony cruelty to animals. Their cases have been prosecuted through juvenile court.
“We just felt that we needed to do more awareness of animals and the role that they play in our lives,” said Judy Dieker, executive director of the humane society. “(The students) are at that age now where they’re starting to spread their wings and be a little independent, and we just wanted to reinforce good, positive behaviors — just an awareness of kindness and how important it is.”
Humane Society officials chose Lowther South for the project because it seemed age-appropriate, Dieker said. Students were invited to submit any type of pet story they wanted to the contest.
“The teachers at Lowther were very excited about it, because it tied in with what they were doing in the science and literature and English classes,” Dieker said.
The contest ended Nov. 24, when packets were picked up at the school and taken to board members to review. They reviewed all of the compositions to find their favorites among the entries, then met on Dec. 10 to choose the final three winners.
Alexa, a fifth grader at Lowther South Intermediate School, is the daughter of Angel and Alma Rodriguez. Her essay, “Dog Fighting,” emphasized that dog fighting is illegal and causes serious, often fatal, injuries to the animals.
“Dog fights end when one dog is suffering and no longer able to continue,” Alexa wrote. “Sometimes after they can’t fight any longer, they kill the dogs.”
Alexa promoted dogs for their value as companions, and mentioned research that shows that simply petting a dog can slow the heart rate of a person who is upset. She also touted dogs’ loyalty and their protective nature.
Second place, with a $30 prize, went to Athziry Velozquez, daughter of Jose and Alma Velozquez.
Athziry’s entry, “Adopt a Dog!” praised dogs as loyal, loving friends and talked about the sadness she feels thinking about the hundreds of dogs who die daily or are abandoned at animal shelters.
“So next time you see an abandoned dog go rescue it, and care for that dog before it gets put down!” Athziry wrote. “... When you adopt a dog from a shelter you say, ‘I’m here to help.’”
Marvin Acosta, son of Jose and Irma Acosta, received $20 for his third-place essay, “Adopting a Dog or Cat.”
Marvin wrote that “Animal shelters are the best because if you go they can probably get you the pet that you want. You can help an unwanted dog or cat” that will appreciate having a nice home and good treatment.
“Also, you can save money,” Marvin said. “... (I)t will be much cheaper for you.”
Dieker presented the checks to the winners on Friday afternoon, during an assembly at Lowther South.
emporia4life (anonymous) says...
Pretty ironic, that her older brothers were 2 of 3 boys involved at the massacre at the zoo this past summer.
December 21, 2008 at 2 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )