Ruth Blank Venner and Mary Jane Blank McCormick Essay Contest
A Salute to American Heroes: A Letter from Home
Grade K-2 WINNING ESSAYS
FIRST PLACE: Thaddeus Leinbach – GRADE 2 – Maumee Branch
Dear Cousin Tyler,
A hero is a person that has a positive impact on your life and you are that person for me. When I am
sick I think about you and all you have been through with your cancer. It must have been difficult having
it for 21 ½ years.
Another example of a hero is an ordinary person that does extraordinary things. You do not give up but
fight back like when you had a stroke last summer. Your assistance dog Tucker is a special helper to
you. You must love Tucker a lot. I know Tucker keeps you company through the hard times.
My parents thought you were so were so special they made my middle name after you. I am proud to
have it because to me it means courage.
I love you!
Thaddeus Tyler Leinbach
P.S. I enjoy drawing like you do.
**ARTWORK attached to original document
SECOND PLACE: Felicity Strang – GRADE 2 – Sylvania Branch
Dear Mr. Davy Crockett,
Hi. My name is Felicity Strang.
I think you’re a great American HERO because you defended Texas against the Mexicans! You must
have been really brave to try to kill all those Bad guys! I would have been really scared.
In stories about you, they say you were greatly outnumbered. Today, you would be pretty surprised
about how many people like you!
I think the whole world should like you. A few days ago I read a huge chapter book about your
childhood! And I watched a cool movie about you too! I loved the part where you killed lots of bad
guys! In all of those stories they say how brave you were!
I read in a book that you didn’t want to go to school. It said you wanted to be a hunter. But your Pa
made you go with Joe and Willson, your older and younger brothers. He wanted you to go so you could
read and write. Sometimes I don’t like doing my school work either. But, my parents also tell me school
work is important. I think kids have always been the same.
This summer I am going to Texas to visit my cousins in San Antonio. I will see the Alamo where you
were! I will also get to see your tomb! My little sisters like me to read books about you and the Alamo
to them over and over again.
Thank you for being a brave American Hero!
Your friend,
Felicity Strang
THIRD PLACE: Sarah Mitchell - GRADE 1 – West Toledo Branch
Dear Black Beauty
I want to be like you because you are fast and pretty. I want to be like you because it makes me happy
to see you run fast. I like to run fast too. I like to see you eating grass because you eat a lot like me. I
like you sleeping because you sleep walk. I love your babies.
Sarah Mitchell
Honorable Mention:
Savannah Hinojosa – GRADE 2 – Maumee Branch
Jacob Mannor Hornyak – GRADE 2 – Maumee Branch
Alexandra Karrenbauer – GRADE 1 – Maumee Branch
Ashley Konz – KINDERGARTEN – Sylvania Branch
Adam Rajner – GRADE 2 – Locke Branch
Molly Thomas – GRADE 1 – Holland Branch
Grade 3-5 WINNING ESSAYS
FIRST PLACE: Isaiah Jackson - GRADE 5 – Main Library
My Old Hero
My Hero is a strong and powerful woman. Once you might not know, but one I knew
very closely. If you knew this woman I guarantee she would be your hero too. Her name is Cora
Evans, better known as great grandma.
My great grandma was a prideful lady and stood up for what was right. She was there
for everyone she recognized and even people she didn’t. She would hug you until you fell
asleep if needed. Daily my siblings and I would walk to her house after school. And when I
came home or to what felt like a home my great grandma would have a hot meal on the table
waiting for us to enjoy. While we ate grandma would say “It sure is quiet in there, it must be
good, huh?” We would say “yes and thank you!” My parents would pick us up and I would be in
trouble for something at school, but my great grandma would tell my dad not to discipline me.
Which happened often, but that isn’t why she is my hero.
This person admired me to believe in who I am and no one could change that, and to
always walk around with my chin held high like I had some pride. She never wanted me to be
someone gloomy all day because I didn’t appreciate myself. She taught me to be strong as a
soldier. If she was still here today certainly I would have turned out better than now. My great
grandma always said I was her little preacher. She thought I would make a good minister. My
great grandma went on to be with God but remains my hero.
SECOND PLACE: - McKenna Wilson - GRADE 5 – Heatherdowns Branch
Dear Coach Kyle,
When I heard that the library essay contest subject this year was American heroes, I thought about you.
First, you are a very good swim coach. In your job, you help special education children. Everything
about you tells me you are a good person. I admire you very much.
I want you to know how much the whole swim team learned from you. I personally learned many
things. You helped me improve all of my strokes and tauggt me how to start and timey myself. I not
only learned about swimming, but I also learned a life lesson at the sectional meet when I got
disqualified. You were right there, telling me that everyone makes mistakes. You didn’t get mad but
encouraged me to try again. Thank you for all you taught me.
I can only imagine how much the kids you see in your speech class benefit from having you as a teacher.
You help them with their daily lives because everyone needs to be able to communicate. You are a
great role model for me because you have a college education and use it to help others. The skills that
make you a great coach must also make you a great teacher. Without you , those kids would not have a
very bright future.
While you are doing all of that, you are also a very kind person. Even in serious situations, you still
manage to have a sense of humor. You always make me laugh. When you can’t do what you planned to
do at swim practice, you are prepared with something else. In everything you do, you are funny,
organized, and flexible. These traits are very important to me and the swim team.
As I wrote this essay, I realized a hero doesn’t have to be a president or a veteran. A hero can be an
everyday person with passion and a talent. Everyone who meets you should feel honored to know you.
Thank you for being everything you are and for all that you do. You are definitely an American hero!
Love,
McKenna
THIRD PLACE: - Deborah Tan - GRADE 4 – Holland Branch
Dear Uncle Fred,
You are my American hero.
I thank you for working so hard from poor to rich. Now you are a successful doctor that I look up to.
You inspired me very much because I wanted to be a doctor and I saw that you had a hard life to be an
American citizen. For me, it would be hard to be the 2nd oldest from 11 siblings and come to America
with $20 in your pocket. I will work very hard to be a professional doctor just like you. You taught me
not to waste and save everything because everything has a use. I am glad you are my uncle in many
ways. Like I said before, thank you so much you have changed me and my family’s lives. I think that you
are my American Hero because you worked hard to get what you want and let nothing get in your way,
you also went from a poor family to a rich family, you didn’t forget about your parents and siblings, and
also brought them to be American citizens. Once again; you will always be my American Hero and most
of all my awesome uncle.
Your niece,
Deborah Tan
Honorable Mention:
Tynice Glover – GRADE 5 – West Toledo Branch
Hayleigh Maria Grega – GRADE 3 – Sylvania Branch
Shayne Jackson – GRADE 5 – Lagrange Branch
Kate McNerney – GRADE 3 – Sylvania Branch
Jenna Reichert – GRADE 3 – Oregon Branch
Grade 6-8 WINNING ESSAYS
First Place: - Dakota Sherrick – Grade 8 – Point Place Branch
Dear Gary,
It had been years since I had a real father-figure in my life. Everywhere I looked, I saw people who went
fishing with their dads, played catch, etc. But more than that, they had a dad. Now I do too.
When I was little, I used to go over to my grandparents’ house, just to see my dad. Heck, I even still
have the big purple bunny he gave me for Christmas one year. But, he just stopped coming over. I still
went, both for my grandparents, and out of the hope that I’d see him. Eventually, I just gave up. Then,
when Grandpa had that surgery, you weren’t there, but I knew you still supported my confrontation
with my dad. I was very hard, yet I knew you were there for me.
But now I have a dad, someone to talk to. You’re there for me when I’m in trouble. You show me what
to do when I’m confused. Most importantly, even though you’re not my biological father, we consider
each other father and son. Sure, you can be annoying sometimes, and I know I can be, but I don’t know
what I’d do without you.
You have taught me so many things in the time we’ve lived together. You’ve taught me different tools,
you’ve taught me patience, how to think though a problem. Probably the hardest of all was teaching me
common sense. Also, you’ve done so many things for me. You painted my room, helped me pick out
the right computer, and bought me books. You even let me game master once, though I know I wasn’t
very good at it.
Gary, you have done these things and more for me. You have made me a smarter, wiser, more
respectful person, and for this I thank you. You are my dad. You are my hero.
Your Son, Dakota Sherrick
SECOND PLACE: - Emily Simon – Grade 7 – Main Library
Dear Jane Goodall,
You are a strong, smart, beautiful, independent humanitarian. You inspire me in so many ways and I am
writing to you to tell you that you are my hero. I am Emily Simon and I am in Jr. High school (7th grade).
I have been a vegetarian for nine months. I play soccer in my spare time and go camping every summer.
I LOVE animals. I have three cats, a dog, and a hamster.
You are my hero because you founded the WWF (World Wildlife Fund). This foundation has raised so
much money for the Earth and its inhabitance. Also, you treat animals the same as you treat humans
because, they are humans without voices. You understand animals. You love them. I am following your
lead by loving them too.
People all over the planet are following your lead. We have gone “green”. We have found new ways of
harnessing wind, sunlight, and water for clean energy/electricity. People have started recycling and
reusing. Many of us use reusable bags, energy saving light bulbs, and recycled materials to reduce the
amount of waste in landfills.
Many people look up to you. It seems as if you have never done anything wrong. You make me smile
when I think about you because, I look at you and think “That’s who I want to be like.” You have truly
changed the world and set the bar of excellence high.
You are my hero and my inspiration. I am going to change the world just like you did. Thank you very
much.
Sincerely,
Emily Rosemarie Simon
THIRD PLACE: - Paul Echelberry – Grade 8 – Heatherdowns Branch Library
Who’s my hero? My hero is my Mom, yes I know everyone says that. My Mom has done amazing things
and I cherish them every day!
I wasn’t born in Toledo, I was born in Guatemala City. My Mom went all the way down there to get me.
It took her three flights to get down there. When she got me she was thrilled with the new baby.
She also ask what I want to do in life. She ask if I wanted to do sports. I said yes. We tried them and
they all weren’t for me. Finally I found my sport . . . dance. Now she pays lessons for me and it’s been
three years.
One night I was sick and I didn’t know what to do. Mom came and helped me. She always stays up if
I’m sick or not feeling good. I actually thank her for that because who wants to sit around sick kids.
Finally no matter what sport or after school activity she always supports me. Buy my track or dance
shoes. Always comes to meets or recitals. She also tells me she’s always proud of me and that means a
lot.
This is why my Mom is my hero and I’m glad she was chosen as my Mom.
Honorable Mention:
Nadia Coleman – Grade 7 – Holland Branch Library
Emma Genson – Grade 7 – Washington Branch Library
Thomas Heckman – Grade 8 – Heatherdowns Branch Library
Jacob Livecchi – Grade 7 – Oregon Branch Library
DeLon Johnson – Grade 8 – Reynolds Corners Branch Library
Alisa McBride – Grade 7 – Main Library
Grade 9-12 WINNING ESSAYS
FIRST PLACE: - Tamaya McBride – Grade 9 – Main Library
Dear Mr. Perphan,
Thank you for being such an influence on me and in my life. You have been a big influence on me by
pushing me and not giving up when we hit a rough spot. I have never had a teach push me like you
have. After I had seen the obstacles that you have overcome like cancer, I see that even in our most
troubling times we can come out on top. I thank you for teaching me that hard work beats talent, when
talent does not work hard. I found out while being your student that not everyone is going to give me
the easy way out, I have to work hard for what I want, and if I don’t want to work for it then it’s not
worth it, because anything worth anything is worth working for.
I think you are the most heroic person I have ever met because even with your disabilities you still try to
reach for the stars and then more. I think you’re very heroic because even all the bad in the world you
still try. I know it is very hard to succeed as a journalist in this world, this world can be harsh at times,
but you still try to do what you love, and don’t let anything or anybody stop you from doing what you
want to do. I see how mean the world can be, how the world is full with mean harsh people that make
remarks behind your back, snicker when you walk and all the other things that they might do, but little
do they know you are the most dedicated, the most heroic, the nicest, and the most influential person
they ever met in their life. When they do all those things behind your back you still stand tall, hold your
head up high and do what you do best, which is instilling knowledge in young people like me.
If I went through life without meeting you I think that my life would have went on the wrong path.
When I met you I was getting pulled into the wrong crowd and you pulled me out of my situation and
made me see the light at the end of the tunnel. You made me see that every action had a reaction. You
have always said to me that every good action has a great reaction, and every bad action has a horrible
reaction. You taught me to love myself and don’t ever change for anyone. You always say “read a book
or go to jail” and say “which road are we going to pick.” You have taught me to grab a book and learn as
much as possible about any subject, so you sent me on the right road after all. Thank you Shaun
Prephan for all you have done for me.
SECOND PLACE: - Libby Durnwald – Grade 11 – Maumee Branch Library
Dear Grandpa,
Heroes come in many forms. To a little boy a hero is the fastest, strongest super-hero. To a little girl a
lovely princess garbed in sparkling gowns would constitute their ideal of a hero. But to me, you are
what immediately captures my mind when I see the world hero. I cannot think of anyone in my life that
represents and is a hero more that you. Ever since I was little you were my hero. You may wonder why.
It is not due the fact that you are by far my favorite grandparent but it is because of your qualities that
set you apart from the common person. Everything about you radiates the world and definition of a
hero. One of your heroic qualities in my eyes is that way your exuberant energy and smile light up a
room. Everyone knew a party began when you walked in the room. Your boisterous laugh and hearty
voice filled a room instantly with warmth and comfort. I always felt a sensation of instant warmth when
you were around. Grandpa, your bubbly nature and compassion towards others is inspiring to me.
Anywhere you went you treated each person with the same respect and love that you would have to
anyone of your children or grandchildren. How you did that is bewildering in a world that weighted
down by the negative and rudeness of society. Each day I now wake up and try to be that kind,
energetic, fin loving soul that you were. You have inspired me to be the kind of person that you were. If
at the end of the day I have been at-least half as incredible as you feel the world will be so much
brighter. Just by thinking about you puts a smile on my face. The impact you have made on my life will
touch me forever. I know that I am a better person just because I knew you. There is a song in the tony
winning musical Wicked, which captivates what you have been to me. The words, “because I knew you,
I have been changed for good”, from the song, For Good, capture the feelings I have toward you.
Grandpa, you are without a doubt my hero and you always will be. I miss you immensely and it makes
me sad that you no longer are with us. I hope you are proud of me and I hope to life up to your name. I
love you Grandpa, and I just had to tell you that you were my hero.
Love your Granddaughter,
Libby
THIRD PLACE: - Carolyn Sowa – Grade 10 - Maumee Branch Library
Dear Danny,
Your letter astounded me. I’ve never seen you so … eloquent, with words that I can relate to so greatly.
You’ve never flaunted your talents; I had no idea. You can write, you can speak, you can teach. In all
these years I’ve known you, you’ve taught me so many things, but I never noticed your wisdom … until
now.
I see you: eyes sparkling with mirthful laughter, always a hint of a smile on your lips. My big brother –
not so big in feet and inches, but definitely big in spirit. You’ve open my eyes to the world in my fifteen
years on Earth. Wow, can you believe it’s not just us playing tag anymore? We’ve grown up. I’ve
realized you’ve shaped my values, and taught me perseverance and hard work.
When I was in third grade, you came home with a scratched-up face, blood on your cheeks and a big
nasty cut where your lips meet your braces. I thought it was a fight. But it wasn’t. Perseverance. That’s
what you showed me. Your injuries were from taking up wrestling. Despite those cuts and bruises and
your physical disadvantage, you powered through, showing me for the first time tangible evidence of
perseverance.
Your wrestling experiences didn’t just teach me that. I learned the value of hard work. Wrestling is
definitely not an easy sport; winning or losing, you are alone on that mat; time stops, but the pain
persists; no one can help you but yourself. You never quit! You promised yourself that you would ne
the league champ in your senior year. Not only did you fulfill that promise, but you pursued success in
your studies to be accepted by the United States Military Academy upon graduation. You’ve gone from
a gangly high-schooler to humble N.L.L. Champ to proud West Point cadet right before my eyes! Danny,
you have showed me with hard work I can achieve great things, too.
Finally, you taught me to be myself. Cliché as it sounds, your words have carried me to this day. When I
entered middle school, I hit rough waters, but it was you whom I modeled myself after. You never let
people’s insults dampen your spirit; you blew them off as they should have been. You were a trooper,
and though I only realize it years later, you showed me how wonderful it was to feel truly at home in
one’s skin; you showed me to be true to myself and never waver under pressure.
Danny, I can’t list all that you’ve done for me. Siblings are forever. I have no doubt that even as we
grow older and wiser, I will still look up to you. I have absolutely no doubt that you will continue to
show me all my potentials and all that I can do. And, on a final note, I must say, I’m looking forward to
the future lessons I’ll learn from you. Thank you, big brother. You are my hero forever.
Love,
Carolyn
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Kayla Barr – Grade 9 – Sylvania Branch Library
Charles Filipiak – Grade 10 – Sylvania Branch Library
Angela Michael – Grade 10 – Sanger Branch Library
Samantha Peatee – Grade 10 – Washington Branch Library
Jessica Trevino – Grade 11 – Waterville Branch Library