• Student Name: Nicole Hill
  • School Name: Ouachita River School
  • Grade: 4th
  • City, State: Mena
  • Teacher's Name: Mrs. Harvey and Mrs. Kinkade
  • Essay:
    My uncle Matt is my tobacco free hero. He does not smoke, dip, drink, or do drugs. He told me "I've never even tried". 

    I just don't get it. When his friends ask him if he wants to join them at a beer party, he says no. He does not even hang out with them when they are doing all the stuff that is bad for him. 

    I started to understand why he was saying no as I spent more time with him. I still did not get how he did not smoke like our family and his friends. One day he explained it all to me. He said "The reason I never go to parties or do drugs is because I want you to follow my lead and have a long healthy life also." Most of all he loves me. I don't need to hurt my body like my family and friends may have. Tobacco, drugs, and alcohol is not a good thing to do. You will live longer and be able to fight off disease such as cancer. It also helps to exercise and eat healthy. 

    He joined the army to help protect our country. The army helps him stay fit. Every day he works out at least one hour a day. When he is not in the army I go on walks with him. That is my favorite thing to do with him. 

    He also eats really healthy. He eats good things like carrots, bananas, and salad. His favorite fruits are oranges and tangerines. Tangerines are one of his favorite fruits because they are so sweet. He loves carrots because they are good for his eyesight. He eats a lot of meat for his bones and muscles. He also eats cheese and yogurt and drinks milk to keep his bones strong and healthy. Water helps him stay healthy also. 

    All of thesereasons are why my uncle Matt is my healthy tobacco free hero. 

Guidelines

Open to students in grades 2-9, with judging falling into three categories:Grades 2 & 3, 4-6 and 7-9.

The essay must be written by the student and should focus on the healthy hero’s lifestyle choices and attitudes about being tobacco-free. The essay should be at least 300 words but no more than 750 words.

Entries must be submitted before 5 p.m. on Friday, October 30.

Winners will be announced by 5 p.m. on Monday, December 7.

Prizes

Grades 2-3:
  • First place: Nintendo Wii
  • Second place: portable dvd player
  • Third place: Nintendo DS
Grades 4-6:
  • First place: laptop computer
  • Second place: 160 GB iPod Classic
  • Third place: 4 GB iPod shuffle
Grades 7-9:
  • First place: laptop computer
  • Second place: 8 GB iPod touch
  • Third place: 8 GB iPod nano