After-Holiday Writing Contest Winner

Mrs. Barr and Mrs. Moisan offered an after-the-holiday writing challenge. Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 were asked to sign up to write about a memorable moment over the holiday break. The essays were due January 8. The winning essay was submitted by third-grader Henry Mahnke, who is in Ms. Chatalian’s class.

My Clone Tri-Fighter

By Henry Mahnke

For Christmas I got the Lego Clone Tri-Fighter.

The first time I tried to build it I had to bend the rules (as in change them a little) at least five times. One night I could not go on because I had bent the rules so many times.

That night my Dad said that I could redo the ship with him, and this time we would go slower so we could get it right!

One afternoon was the perfect time to redo the ship. My sister was napping and my brother was watching Alvin and the Chipmunks at his friend’s, so my Dad and I were alone to build the ship.

So we built and built and built. Suddenly, we heard my sister wake from her nap! I was on the last wing. My Dad said, “Hurry! I’ll go get her—you finish the ship.” I finished right in time. I tried it out and it worked, and I was happy.

After we finished, we went to Whole Foods to get dinner. Luckily, we got home before my brother, so that was good. Soon my Mom came home. I flew the ship in front of my house with the Star Wars theme song. My Mom was amazed. I think it was a great time for my Dad and me.