MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Express launched a small contest with Grady Lamontagne’s Grade 8 class at École Palliser Heights School earlier this June. Students who chose to participate were asked to submit an essay describing what they’re looking forward to most as they prepare to enter Grade 9 in the fall.
On June 26, Madyson Geiger was declared the winner of this year’s contest and received a gift basket during her noon-hour break. Her prize package contained a tray of rare and imported snacks, candies, and drinks to kick-start summer holidays in style.
The following is Madyson's award-winning essay:
"In high school, I am excited about lots of things. Some of the things I’m excited about are new teachers, different people, lunch hour, and sports.
“I am excited for new teachers because it will be fun and different to have other people teach me. It will also be better because I’m used to having one main teacher but now, I’ll change teachers and classrooms each class. It’s good because sometimes it gets boring always having the same teacher teach you every subject but in high school you have different teachers for each subject.
“I am excited for different people because it is good to have a fresh start with new people. It is also good to have the opportunity to make new friends and meet new people that are in your classes or just people you see around. You can also become closer with other friends you had from other schools. It will also be good to have new classmates every class so then you don't always have to be with the same people.
“I am excited for sports in high school because it will be a new level of difficulty that I am not used to and I will get better. I am also excited because Central has a really good basketball program and good coaches. In high school, sports get more competitive and serious so it will be fun to play with people who actually want to play. It will be fun to go further in track & field and have more meets instead of just one day.
“I am excited for the longer lunch time. In elementary school, we only get 40 minutes or less which isn’t a lot of time to do anything. In high school, we will be able to go to a restaurant or somewhere else because we will have more time to go do it. Central is close to lots of food places so it will be good to be able to go there because right now the only close place is seven eleven."
On behalf of the Moose Jaw Express, thank you Madyson and all students who entered the high school essay contest. Best of luck as you continue your academic journey in Grade 9 this fall!
