2000 Essay/Poetry Contest

Kahori Lanier, Grade 7
Teacher: Ms. Deidre Rand
Desert Canyon Middle School
Scottsdale Unified District

First Place — Middle (Grades 6-8)

What is community service? Simply put, it's when someone volunteers their time to make a difference in their community. When we think of someone who made a significant difference for people of all races, we think of Martin Luther King.

Another person that I know personally, who has made a tremendous impact in communities across the nation is my dad. He's Chairman of a volunteerism program for the National Basketball Association called TEAM UP! When he gives his passionate message to young people using the acronym T for teamwork, E for effort, A for attitude, and M for motivation, I see the enthusiastic reactions on their faces. They can't wait to get out there to do various volunteer projects like planting trees, helping to feed and clothe the homeless, and helping in elderly homes. My dad is a great person to admire, not just because I love him but because he cares about people and making the world a better place to live in. And by doing this, he's keeping kids more involved with their community rather than drugs and gangs. Through listening to and helping my dad in some of his projects, I realized three things: one, It was fun to do, two, I made new friends, and three, helping the community made me feel better about myself and it made me want to volunteer more.

I am very proud to have someone within my family who has contributed to making Dr. Kings legacy of uniting all people last.