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Kayak Kids Essay Competition

January 30, 2022

by Stevie Handsaker

Every fall, the Southwest Region of Nebraska Game and Parks sponsors the Kayak Kids Essay Competition. The essay is open to two different age groups, 11 to 14 and 15 to 18. Maywood Public Schools writing teacher, Robyn Carey, invites her students to submit essays as part of the narrative writing curriculum. When asked why she has students participate in this activity every year she said, “This experience allows students an opportunity to practice writing skills they learn in class. They aren't writing just for me or just for a grade. This type of writing connects our classroom with the outside world.” The challenge of the essay is to get students to tell why growing up in the outdoors is important. Submissions have to be hand written and have a minimum of 250 words. Winners of this competition receive a kayak, paddle, and life jacket,. The runner upreceives a rod and reel. Every year Maywood Public School students have participated in this competition. Previous winners include; Jett Sjeklocha (1st place, 2017), JennaIngison (Runner-up, 2018), Hayden Farr (1st place, 2014), Kyla Patel (Runner-up), Jon Patel (3rd place), Brian Loveland (3rd, 15-18 division), Jaxson Anders (1st place, 2020), Kassidy Hatfield (Runner-up), Maddie Merit (Runner-up, 2021). 

The most recent award winner was Maddie Merritt. Merritt, an eight grader at Maywood Public School, won a rod and reel for runner-up. Merritt's paper showcased how the outdoors can help relieve stress, as well as helping with sleep. Merritt wanted to write the essay to explain how she enjoyed being outside in her free time as well as sharing how she spends her time outside. "I was very surprised when I found out that I won 2nd," said Merritt. Congratulations to Maddie Merrit on her runner-up essay in the Kayak Kid Essay competition!