Ancestor Essay District Winner: Brinley White!

When Brinley wrote an essay about her ancestor, Frances Goddard, for a required 4th grade assigment she never dreamed she would go this far. This assignment is given to all 4th and 5th grade students in the Iron County School District by the Sons of the Utah Pioneers organization as an essay contest every year. First place winners are selected from each school with one "Grand Prize" winner out of the entire district. What an honor for her and for our family!

As a mom (and her teacher) I was so excited on the last day of school for the "end of the year awards assembly", because I was aware that she had won, but she had no clue. She was thrilled and surprised when they announced her name as the school 1st place winner, but almost died when she was also announced as the "Grand Champion". Mr. Bonzo (famous former Cedar High teacher) read her paper to the student body and awarded her with 60, one dollar gold coins! What a fun day!!! She was also invited as the guest of honor to the Sons of the Utah Pioneers 24 of July Awards showcase at the Rock Church on the morning of July 24th.

Mr. Bonzo reading Brinley's essay to the crowd on July 24th, 2011

Brinley got the red carpet treatment at the awards ceremony. Mr. Bonzo gave her a kiss on the cheak and asked if she'd spent all of her prize $$ on her new yellow dress.

What a fun day for our whole family!

Brinley and her Grandma Linda. Brinley gets her writing talents from her gram. They have such a special relationship and are very close.

Brinley with her great Grandma and Grandpa Rowley. They are such a good example to our family and are always so supportive of our children.