2000 Essay/Poetry Contest

Gilberto Jimenez, Grade 7
Teacher: Mrs. Ann Hanson
Ingleside Middle School
Scottsdale Unified District

Second Place — Middle (Grades 6-8)

An Extraordinary Woman

Her name is Sophia, and she is what I call an extraordinary woman. She is a very good friend. She is a very good friend. She is always demonstrating random acts of kindness. She started a program called "Mothers Against Gangs," and its building is located around 12th Street and Thomas. She first called it "Mothers Against Gangs" because her son got killed by a gang. She made it for kids and teens to go to and play fun activities instead of being out on the streets causing trouble.

In this place called "Mothers Against Gangs" or M.A.G., you can play pool, video games, computer games, indoor, and outdoor games. It's a lot of fun to go there. She also takes kids and teens everywhere for free. Like a Diamondback game, the circus, video arcades and other really fun places. She takes kids on "strikes" around streets to help stop violence and gangs. Even though people might think community service is boring, it's actually fun. Like when you paint over graffiti and clean up abandoned homes and small territories. I know it's fun because I've done it before.

Sophie has all of the qualities an excellent person could have, and more. She is just great once you meet her. She does a lot of good things for kids and teens and it all comes out of her budget. I really look up to her because she is a very good role model. I hope she can continue her dream of peace.