2023 disability history essay contest

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Disability History Essay Contest

The Disability History Essay Contest is a partnership with the WV State Rehabilitation Council and the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services that coincides with WV Disability History Week and is open to all WV high school seniors. This contest is designed to provide WV high school seniors with an opportunity to showcase their writing skills, share what they have learned about disability issues in their community, use their ability to form and express opinions, and perhaps to earn some money!

This special edition of our newsletter includes all the winning essays, photos of the authors, and a bit of information to help you get to know these students. In addition to the award certificate, the authors of the winning essays received an engraved personalized key chain and a check for the amount of their award as follows:

• State Winner - $3,250
• District 1st Place Winners - $1,750
• District 2nd Place Winners - $1000

Congratulations to all the winners! I hope this contest continues to motivate high school seniors to not only submit an entry, but to learn more about disability history and how the disability rights movement has changed our world and our lives.

Awards are presented to students at their High School Senior Awards Ceremonies. The winners and their essays are published each year in our Special Edition Newsletter.

2024 Disability History Essay Contest

State winner - caleb messer.

The 2024 State Winner of $3250 is Caleb Messer, a graduate of Scott High School.

During high school he served four years as student body council, holding multiple positions including President. He was active with the marching band as drum major, a member of the National Honor Society, and the president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He is graduating with high honors including 44 hours of college credit through dual-credit high school classes and another 18 hours of college credit through online college classes.

He has accumulated more than 100 hours of community service by volunteering at multiple events held by non-profits including the America Red Cross blood drive and United Way Backpack Buddies Packing Day.

Caleb plans to attend Marshall University to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education along with certifications in early childhood education and special education.

His goal is to become an elementary school teacher and principal in West Virginia.

Caleb's essay is below along with the other winning essays in our 2024 Special Edition Newsletter. 

2024 State Winner - Caleb Messer

IL Edge - 2024 Special Edition

2024 Disability History Essay Contest Winners

“In 2023, the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which was incorporated as Title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in 2014, celebrated its 50th anniversary. Discuss how this historical legislation has advanced access to and equity in employment opportunities for people with disabilities in your community.”

2023 Disability History Essay Contest

State winner - lingjian zheng.

The 2023 State Winner of $3250 is Lingjian Zheng, a graduate of Parkersburg South High School. Lingjian Zheng is a senior at Parkersburg High School. He started his high school career at Parkersburg South High School with English as his second language. He was an active member of the National Honor Society and the STARS community service group. He competed in Math Field Day and was recognized as a regional and state winner. As an active member of the National Honor Society, he assisted the American Red Cross with its blood drive Mr. Zheng plans to attend WVU in the fall and major in biology. His aim is to expand the border of science through his future involvement in frontier research.

Lingjian's essay is below along with the other winning essays in our 2023 Special Edition Newsletter. 

2023 State Winner - Lingjian Zheng

IL Edge - 2023 Special Edition

2023 Disability History Essay Contest Winners

 “Career Paths for Youth with Disabilities: The Past, Present, and Future." 

2022 Disability History Essay Contest

State winner - mattelyn lamp.

The 2022 State Winner of $3250 is Mattelyn Lamp, a graduate of St. Mary's High School.

Hello, my name is Mattelyn Lamp. I am a senior at St. Marys High School, a member of West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Early College program, the ACT 30 Club, National Honor Society, and I am the historian of SMHS’s NHS chapter. I am also a program double completer at Mid-Ohio Valley Technical Institute for both Graphic Design and Multimedia Publishing, a member of National Technical Honor Society, and a MOVTI Student of the Quarter. I was a member of the SMHS Marching Band and Concert Band for three years and was the drum captain for 2 years. In addition, I have been a member of the SMHS Art Club all 4 years of high school.

After I graduate high school, I plan to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Media Communications from West Liberty University and work in television and media production.

Mattelyn's essay is below along with the other winning essays in our 2022 Special Edition Newsletter. 

2022 State Winner - Mattelyn Lamp

IL Edge - 2022 Special Edition

2022 Disability History Essay Contest Winners

 “How (insert name of famous person) Has Influenced Me” 

2021 Disability History Essay Contest

State winner - hannah casey.

The 2021 State Winner of $3250 is Hannah Casey, a graduate of Charleston Catholic High School. While there, she was a member of the varsity volleyball and varsity softball teams all four years, serving as team captain for both teams her senior year. She also earned a spot as a North-South All-Star for both sports and was elected as a member of the 2nd Team All State for volleyball.

Outside of school, Hannah has been a Girl Scout for 14 years, where she has earned her Silver Award. She has also spent hundreds of hours doing volunteer work for organizations such as Backpack Blessings and the Student Conservation Association. 

Hannah plans to attend DePaul University in Chicago, IL where she has been accepted into their 3 + 3 BA/JD program. She is planning to major in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies as she works to obtain her law degree. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, journaling, and spending time with her friends.

Hannah's essay is below along with the other winning essays in our 2021 Special Edition Newsletter. 

2021 State Winner - Hannah Casey

IL Edge - 2021 Special Edition

2021 Disability History Essay Contest Winners

“The significance of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 –

Past and Present”

2017 Disability History Essay Contest

State winner - lydia andlinger.

The 2017 State Winner of $3000 is Lydia Andlinger Beane, is a graduate of The Linsly School in Wheeling, WV. She was a four-year varsity cheerleader and served as team captain for the Cadets’ varsity tennis team for two years, leading them to victory in 3 consecutive Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) championships. She also served 2 years as manager for the hockey team for two years.

Lydia consistently landed on the Headmaster’s Performance List and made academic honors. Her takes a rigorous academic curriculum included several Advanced Placement courses. She was a member of the Key Club, S.A.D.D. Club, and the Drug-Free Clubs of America.

Lydia volunteers for the area’s annual C3 Soccer Camp, Wheeling Hospital and The Center for Pediatrics, a local pediatric rehabilitation center. She also assists with young children’s tennis clinics. Additionally, she works part-time at The Wheeling Coffee Shoppe.

Lydia plans to attend Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has been accepted into the Direct Freshman Admit Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program at Duquesne, and plans to pursue a career as a pediatric physical therapist. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, baby sitting, shopping and spending time with her family and friends.

Lydia's essay is below along with the other winning essays in our 2018 Special Edition Newsletter. 

2017 State Winner -  Lydia Andlinger

IL Edge - 2018 Special Edition

2017 Disability History Essay Contest Winners

“How Technology has Removed Barriers and Improved The Lives

of People With Disabilities”

2016 Disability History Essay Contest

State winner - lindsey grace beane.

The 2016 State Winner of $3000 is Lindsey Grace Beane, a graduate of Hurricane High School, is active in her school and community through many clubs, organizations, pageantry and dance. She is an active participant of the National Honor Society, DECA club, Key club and founding member of the Students Against Destructive Decision Club (SADD).

When not studying, she enjoys spending her time promoting her platform; Defy Disability: Put People First, which has been a passion of hers. She has provided education both in state and out of state through pageantry through the years. She is the current reigning America’s National Teenager which has allowed her to travel across the nation to spread awareness about. She will be attending West Virginia University pursuing a degree in nursing. 

Lindsey's essay is below along with the other winning essays in our 2017 Special Edition Newsletter. 

2016 State Winner - Lindsey Grace Beane

IL Edge - 2017 Special Edition

2016 Disability History Essay Contest Winners

“The Barriers for People with Disabilities in My Community and

How I Can Make a Difference”

2015 Disability History Essay Contest

State winner - blake huffman.

The 2015 State Winner of $3000 is Blake Huffman, a senior at Winfield High School where he currently has a 3.9 GPA. During his high school years, he has been involved with the General Admission Show Choir, the Marching Generals, the Boys Soccer team, Fuel Bible Club, FCA, National Honor Society, Link Crew, and the Spanish Honorary Society. He is an active member of youth group at Teays Valley Baptist Church and works with the Highways & Hedges Bus Ministry and sings in both the adult and youth choirs. Blake is also an Eagle Scout and was selected as a delegate for Mountaineer Boys State. Blake has logged over 300 community service hours since beginning high school. 

Blake was diagnosed with Dyslexia his junior year and has worked with the Teays Valley office of WV Division of Rehabilitation. He is extremely excited to be chosen as the 2015 Disability History Essay Contest winner and is very thankful for the opportunity to apply and the funds made available for college.

Blake's essay is below along with the other winning essays in our 2016 Special Edition Newsletter. 

2015 State Winner - Blake Huffman

IL Edge - 2016 Special Edition

2015 Disability History Essay Contest Winners

“How Have the First 25 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act Changed America?”

2014 Disability History Essay Contest

State winner - mason ryck.

The 2014 State Winner of $2000 is Mason Ryck, a 2015 graduate of Robert C. Byrd High School. Born July 17, 1997 in Augusta, GA, he is the youngest of two siblings, Travis (23), whom resides in Texas and Taylor (20) of Arizona.

Mason loves to play lacrosse, picking up the game from his Native American heritage, the Iroquois Mohawks in Canada. He also enjoys boxing and MMA. Mason plans to attend college in Arizona and will be working with his father in industrial construction this summer after graduation. 

Mason's essay is below along with the other winning essays in our 2015 Special Edition Newsletter. 

2014 State Winner - Mason Ryck

IL Edge - 2015 Special Edition

2014 Disability History Essay Contest Winners

“Discuss the opportunities for people with disabilities that have evolved from the Disability Rights Movement”

2013 Disability History Essay Contest

State winner - alexandra nicole rundle.

The 2013 State Winner of $2000 is Alexandra Nicole Rundle from East Fairmont High School. She attends WVU studying Pre-Forensics and is holding a 3.0 GPA. She continues to volunteer in her community on several venues.

Alexandra is a part time student worker at WVU in the Career services office where she assists students with a variety of needs including referrals to the disability services office. 

Alexandra's essay is below along with the other winning essays in our 2014 Special Edition Newsletter. 

2013 State Winner - Alexandra Nicole Rundle

IL Edge - 2014 Special Edition

2013 Disability History Essay Contest Winners

“How the disability rights movement has shaped our world”

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Parkersburg south students wins statewide essay contest, other mov residents earn honors in disability history competition.

Lingian Zheng

PARKERSBURG — A Parkersburg South High School senior won West Virginia’s 2023 Disability History Essay Contest.

Lingjian Zheng of Parkersburg South will receive $3,250 as the state winner of the contest, offered by the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council and the State Rehabilitation Council with cooperation from the West Virginia Department of Education.

The goal is to reinforce Disability History Week, the third week in October, in West Virginia and provide high school seniors an opportunity to showcase their writing skills and knowledge of the Disability Rights Movement, according to a press release announcing the results.

Entries were received from high school seniors throughout the state. Other winners were recognized by the geographic districts served by the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.

Mid-Ohio Valley honorees included:

* Emma Looney, Roane County High School, first place, District 1.

* David Brannon, Gilmer County High School, second place, District 2.

* Mariah Wilson, Parkersburg South High School, first place, District 3.

* Abbigail Kimble, Tyler Consolidated High School, second place, District 3.

First-place winners received a $1,750 prize, while second place earned $1,000.

The winners and their essays will be featured in the Special Edition issue of the IL Edge, the state Independent Living Council’s quarterly newsletter. More information about the contest is available online at https://wvsilc.org/essay-contest.

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Disability History Essay Contest Returns for High School Seniors

The contest offers high school seniors the opportunity to learn about disability issues in their community and showcase their writing skills..

PARKERSBURG, W.Va . (WTAP) - The Disability History Essay Contest is returning for high schools to enter.

The WV Disability History Essay Contest is open to all high school seniors. The contest is designed to reinforce Disability History in Week West Virginia. The contest offers high school students the opportunity to learn about disability issues in their community and showcase their writing skills.

There are six districts with a possible first and second place in each district, plus a state winner. In addition to an award certificate, authors of winning essays will receive an engraved personalized key chain and a check. The state winner will receive $3,250. District first place winners will receive $1,750 with district second place winners receiving $1,000.

The Disability History Essay Contest is a collaborative effort between the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS), West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (WVSILC), and State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), with cooperation from the West Virginia Department of Education.

For more information, go to  www.wvsilc.org .

Copyright 2023 WTAP. All rights reserved.

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Nicole Melanson

Writer | poet | editor | mentor, writing contests & competitions (open entry).

The following is a list of contests and competitions for writing by / for people with disabilities, including mental illness, or about the disability / mental health experience. The description of each is taken directly from the associated website.

NB: These contests are open to submissions. I am not aware of any disability lit awards or prizes subject to nomination. If that changes, I will post them to this page .

All links are current as of August 2020. If you find a non-working link, or if you know a contest that should be added to / deleted from this list, please let me know.

— Nicole Melanson

The Barbellion Prize (UK +)

The Barbellion Prize is dedicated to the furtherance of ill and disabled voices in writing. The prize is awarded annually to an author whose work has best spoken of the experience of chronic illness and/or disability.

The awarded work can be of any genre in fiction, memoir, biography, poetry, or critical non-fiction from around the world — whether it is in English, in translation, traditionally published, or self-published.

The work in question must be one published in the current year or one that will be published later that year. The prize is international and books newly translated into English are also eligible.

Creative Future Writers’ Awards (UK)

Founded in 2013, the Creative Future Writers’ Award is an annual development programme for talented writers from a wealth of backgrounds. It includes the UK’s only national writing competition for all under-represented writers, alongside a series of workshops in hubs throughout the UK.

Prizes are awarded for both poetry and short fiction, including cash & professional writing development opportunities. Winners are given the opportunity to develop their work through training, mentoring, assessment and coaching.

A high-profile awards ceremony follows selection, with winning entries also published in an anthology.

The Disability History Association’s Outstanding Book and Outstanding Article / Book Chapter Awards (US +)

Submissions are welcome from scholars in all fields who engage in work relating to the history of disability.

Although the awards are open to all authors covering all geographic areas and time periods, publications must be in English, must have significant historical content, and must have a publication date within the year preceding the submission date. Book submissions may be single- or multiple-authored and may be a single monograph or an edited collection, provided the latter contains new and original scholarship. Articles may also be single- or multiple-authored and must be published in books or in peer-reviewed academic journals.

The amount of the book award is $300 for the winner and $100 for the honorable mention. The amount of the article/book chapter award is $200 for the winner and $100 for the honorable mention.

The Dulcie Stone Writers Competition (Victoria, Australia)

The Dulcie Stone Writers Competition is open to people with intellectual disability. It is designed to showcase the voices of people with intellectual disability and recognises the lifetime contribution of Dulcie Stone to services for people with intellectual disability and writing.

Works can be of any length up to a maximum of 1,000 words or a storyboard of up to 3 x A4 pages of drawings. A storyboard is a number of squares on one page with pictures or drawings that tell a story.

Grieve Project (Australia)

Annual writing contest for poems, short stories, and essays, with winning entries published in an anthology and / or awarded prizes during August, which is Grief Awareness Month in Australia.

Please note that the Grieve Project does not seek disability lit as such; however, much of the winning work touches on illness, care-giving, and other disability-related themes.

Katherine Schneider Journalism Award for Excellence in Reporting on Disability (US +)

These awards recognize work that explores and illuminates legal or judicial issues regarding the treatment of people with disabilities and the challenges they face, with special consideration  given to entries that are accessible to those with disabilities.

Entries will be accepted from print, broadcast or online-only publications. Entries from outside of the U.S. may be accepted if the work submitted is in English.

Winners will receive a total of $8,000 in cash awards for first-, second- and third-place finishes in large media and small media categories. First-place winners in each category will be awarded $2,500 and invited to give a public lecture for the Cronkite School in fall 2020. Second-place winners will receive $1,000, third-place winners $500.

London Writers’ Awards (UK)

The London Writers’ Awards aim to increase the number of writers from under-represented communities being taken up by agents and publishers.

The Awards focus on four genres of prose writing: literary fiction (including short stories), commercial fiction (for e.g.: crime, science fiction, romance), narrative non-fiction and YA/children’s (including middle grade and Young Adult fiction, excludes picture books).

The Awards are free to participate in. Bursaries are available for writers in need and there is an Access Fund for disabled writers.

Mind Media Awards (UK)

The annual Mind Media Awards recognise and celebrate the best possible representations of mental health across TV, radio, print and online.

Work must challenge perceptions of mental health, be well crafted and responsibly produced, be safe for intended audiences, and demonstrate reach and impact (apart from Student Journalist award with will be judged on potential).

mindshare Awards (South Australia, Australia)

The mindshare Awards is a poetry and creative writing competition presented by mindshare, the Mental Health Coalition of SA, Writers SA and Access2Arts.

The competition is an opportunity for South Australian writers with lived experience of mental illness to share their stories, showcase their skills, discover new creative communities, and connect with industry professionals.

While entered works do not need to be about your lived experience, poetry and creative writing generated from personal experience or work that tackles mental health themes are encouraged.

Oleb Books Personal Essay Award / OBPEA (US+)

In 2019, we launched the Oleb Books Personal Essay Award (OBPEA) in partnership with Pen 2 Paper — one of the largest international writing competitions for writers with disabilities.

Pen 2 Paper Creative Writing Contest (US +)

The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities / CTD’s annual Pen 2 Paper (P2P) creative writing competition seeks pieces of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that treat the topic of disability. Whether or not you have experience as a creative writer; whether or not you have a disability, we want to hear your voice!

Perito Prize  (UK +)

The Perito Prize is an international, annual, short fiction competition created to get people thinking in different ways about inclusive environments, inclusion, diversity, accessibility and inclusive design!

The Prize is awarded to outstanding new short fiction of between 1000 and up to 2000 words, with cash prizes, readings, and publication in the Perito Prize Anthology.

The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Writing Competition (Scotland)

The SMHAF Writing Competition, held in partnership with Bipolar Scotland, seeks new writing that addresses mental health using various forms, techniques and styles.

The Writing Competition is one of the festival’s most enduring successes, providing an opportunity for first time writers to be published alongside established names. The awards ceremony is often where we discover what our festival is really about, as writers from across Scotland and further afield take inspiration from our theme in poignant, powerful, personal and often ingenious and surprising ways.

The Schneider Family Book Award (US +)

Three annual awards each consisting of $5000 and a framed plaque, will be given annually in each of the following categories: birth through grade school (age 0-10), middle school (age 11-13) and teens (age 13-18). (Age groupings are approximations).

The book must emphasize the artistic expression of the disability experience for children and or adolescent audiences. The book must portray some aspect of living with a disability or that of a friend or family member, whether the disability is physical, mental or emotional. Books with death as the main theme are generally disqualified.

This award is given out on an annual basis. Term of eligibility extends to publications from the preceding year. The book must be published in English.

WeScreenplay Diverse Voices Screenplay Contest and Lab (US +)

Diverse Voices is a screenplay contest and lab that strives to encourage stories that are told from perspectives that are often underrepresented in Hollywood today. This includes writers of color, women writers, writers with disabilities, writers over 40, writers in the LGBTQ+ community, and any other voices that have historically been ignored by Hollywood.

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6 thoughts on “ Writing Contests & Competitions (open entry) ”

Hi, I want to enter a writing contest. I have a story I want to share, and I think it can inspire other people. Please, Write me back.

Hi Filiberto, you will need to go to individual listings and follow their unique guidelines for submissions and contest entries. Good luck!

Hi my name is Emma Gonzales, I am a poet and have written many poems, I would like to know how and where I can get exposure on how to publish my poems, From poets with disabilities.

Like Liked by 1 person

Hi Emma, thanks for writing. If you are able to participate in writing groups and public readings, that is a good way to gain exposure and get to know your local community. Many of these are now accessible virtually. Many small literary magazines and websites also welcome work from beginners – start with them and slowly build your publication portfolio by submitting to sure things and working your way up to long shots. Good luck!

i have a story that I’d like to share! its about how autism can make people feel like they dont belong because of others judging them. Is it too late to share that?

Hi Kayliegh, be sure to check the submission deadlines posted before you enter. Good luck!

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Ernie Reynolds Essay Contest

2024 winners.

1st Place Winner

"I am autistic. I am not limited by my diagnosis. Instead, I am freed! I am free to see my struggles in others—empathy. I am free to see my accommodations as potential helps—hope. I am free to see abilities in myself instead of inabilities—perspective. I am free to be childlike, to serve others, and to embrace my autism. I am free!

Alex F. Lansing, MI

2nd Place Winner

"Thank You so much for the opportunity to share with you my story of advocacy and helping others. I m happy to have learned Leadership skills to assist me in the Future."

Laura D. Lansing, MI

3rd Place Winner

"I am so grateful to God having reached another milestone in my life. I struggled with depression and schizophrenia most of my adult life. I went through a rough time, but I am blessed to say that I pulled through it by the grace of God and the right treatment. I don’t let my age and illness stop me from doing what I have always wanted to do in life. That is helping others and advocating for mental health."

Betty R. Southfield, MI

Ernie Reynolds Essay Contest 2024

Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) is proud to, once again, hold our annual essay contest in honor of an outstanding disability rights advocate, Ernie Reynolds, who passed away in 2012.

We are looking for motivating stories about people with disabilities who have successfully overcome barriers and achieved success while advocating for themselves or others.

First Prize: $300 Second Prize: $200 Third Prize: $100

Entry deadline: Friday, January 12, 2024

Submissions will be judged on:

• Authenticity
• Content and appeal of the advocacy story
• Impact the story has had on the life of the individual or the lives of other people who have disabilities
• Impact the story has had on the focus areas within DRM

Rules 1. Must be a resident of Michigan. 2. The limit is 500 words or less. 3. Submissions do not have to be typed, but they need to be legible. 4. There is no age limit to the contest.

SUBMISSIONS (3 ways to submit entries):

1. E-mail: [email protected]

2. Fax: 517.487.0827

3. Mail: DRM Essay Contest 4095 Legacy Parkway Lansing, MI 48911-4263

*Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and email address on all entries.

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Winners of the 2023 Essay Contest

“A Funny Thing That Happened to Me”

Thank you to everyone who submitted an essay. Here are the 2023 winners featured in The 2024 Old Farmer’s Almanac.

“A Funny Thing That Happened to Me” 

First prize ($250), read next, a southern vegetable garden plan and layout, my most memorable wildlife experience, my most memorable animal experience.

–Bruce Kubec, Longwood, Florida 

Second Prize ($200)

My son was 6 years old, about halfway through first grade, and he was in that magical stage when learning to read permeated every aspect of his life: reading street signs, reading posters in store windows, reading cereal boxes. He would focus, squint, and silently mouth the printed letters, then decode them into language. He’d do it again and again, the ratio of success creeping up with practice.

So it was that Mom had an evening meeting, and my son and I headed to a local family restaurant for dinner. The menu became his prized focus, a small universe of words and pictures, puzzles to be solved, and a playground for exercising his current favorite sport. He got “french fries” and “ice cream,” but stumbled on “spaghetti” and “appetizer.”

Then, as we neared the end of our dinner, a look of concern wrinkled his face. He scanned the dining room with mild confusion. His eyes lingered on an adjoining, smaller dining area. Finally, he asked, “Do we have to go there if we get ice cream?” I asked what he meant. He then pointed to the menu and read, “It says here, ‘Leave room for dessert.’”

–Rick Schnable, Dover, New Hampshire

Third Prize ($100)

The night before Thanksgiving, one year before, my husband sent our young daughters out to the freezer in the garage with instructions on how to bring in the turkey to defrost. They came back to report that there was no turkey. He told them to look again, adding that it was smaller than usual. They came back with a shrink-wrapped Cornish game hen, asking, “Is this really our turkey?” He assured them that it was, explaining that he’d learned about a new product called Expand-O Turkey.

They put the wrapped bird in the sink with water, and he assured them that—like their fun bath sponges—it would be full size by morning. After they were asleep, he cut open the shrink-wrap to look like it had burst wide open, wrapped up the game hen, and returned it to the freezer.

Before they awoke, he took our real turkey from a cooler where it had been defrosting, removed its shrink-wrap, and placed it in the sink. The game hen’s torn tiny shrink wrap was placed in the water to await the girls’ discovery. Their eyes widened at the scene. Expand-O Turkey was amazing. They spread the word far and wide.

–Cindy Dobrez, Grand Haven, Michigan

Honorable Mention

We were on the road to the Renaissance Festival in Sterling, New York. Upon arriving, my husband parked the van on a large grassy field. We headed toward the entrance. We presented our tickets at the gate, walked into the wooded grounds, and made a beeline for the food stands—pulled pork pockets with creamy coleslaw; turkey legs; strawberry shortcake with whipped cream, and much more. We chose our desired delicacy, and off we ran to see the sights.

Except that I don’t run. I can’t even walk quickly. I have multiple sclerosis and walk with a limp. Climbing stairs is especially difficult, and this festival had plenty of stairs built into the ground. I was ascending one set of stairs as a woman going down stopped me. “How’s the leg?” she asked. I did a quick memory jog: “Do I know her? Apparently, she knows me and knows that I have MS . Is she from church? The neighborhood?”

I didn’t know, but I answered her: “The leg’s a little weak, but I’m sure it’ll get better.” She nodded, smiling strangely at me. She went along her merry way, as I lifted a huge 1-pound turkey leg to my mouth.

–Geraldine Bereziuk-Lowrey Buffalo, New York

Carol Connare

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