2009 Forest Appreciation Week
Writing Contest Winners

Each year for the anniversary of Arbor Day, kids can take part in the fourth-grade statewide Forest Appreciation Week Writing Contest. The theme this year is: "My Favorite Tree." Here are the 2009 winners.

First Place: "The Oak Tree" by Paul Boesl

Second Place: "My Favorite Tree" by Hannah Feller

Third Place: "The Weeping Willow" by Kendra Rosenthal

Read the nine 2009 Forest Appreciation Week Writing Contest Honorable Mention essays

First Place

The Oak Tree

by Paul Boesl
Prairie Farm Elementary, Prairie Farm, WI

Some people like the trees for their yummy fruits. Others like trees that give shelter to wild animals and some like trees for the things they can make from the wood. My favorite is the oak tree. It reminds me of my ties to farming, fun and family.

When I run my hands across the rough bark it reminds me of the many rows of barbed wire that surround our pastures. Its green leaves remind me of the alfalfa fields in the summer.

I have an oak tree in my front yard. I remember fun times in the summer in the cool shade. I would eat popsicles under the oak tree with my mom and sisters. I also had hard boiled egg picnics with my cousin Cooper and sister Anna. We would throw the yolks at the tree because we didn't like them.

Another reason I like the oak tree is because my grandpa, Uncle Paul and my cousin's baby are buried under a strong oak tree. It makes me feel as if they are protected by the tree.

One tree can remind a person of many things. The oak reminds me of farming, fun and family.

Teacher: Mrs. Sandy Hoffman

Second Place

My Favorite Tree

by Hannah Feller
South Elementary School, Reedsburg, WI
My Favorite Tree My favorite tree is such a sight, its shimmery color glints in the sunlight. Its blackish eyes shaped like lightning bolts are scattered all over its bark. Those eyes, we say, are very, very special marks.
The bark peels off in clean white strips and was perfect for helping Indians take trips. Across the water they would soar, inside the bark covered canoes, there they sat with all their things, like food, bedding, and much, much more.
So as you can see, this special tree has many different uses. But did I mention the suspension of a quiet afternoon, sitting there with a good book or some soft and gentle music, under the shade of my favorite tree?
Now, you see that my favorite tree just happens to be the. Paper Birch!

Teacher: Dana Westedt

Third Place

The Weeping Willow

By : Kendra Rosenthal
Coleman Elementary School

When my teacher asked "What's your favorite tree?"
I knew right away what my answer would be!

A tree that is tall, and makes lots of shade
In the summer I sit under it and drink lemonade!

The weeping willow is my tree, and its easy to see why
With its long flowing vines blowing beautiful in the sky.

The branches that it grows are so very long
And the trunk that it grows is so very strong.

The tree will grow to be about 40 feet tall
When it loses its leaves you know it is fall.

Weeping Willows grow best when planted by water
And help keep me cool when the weather gets hotter!

The tree will grow to be about 35 feet wide
When playing games it is the best place to hide!

Animals love to eat Weeping Willows low hanging leaves
Deer and rabbits are some of the animals it may please!

Climbing in the tree is so much fun

It gets me out of that hot summer sun!

So now you can see this is a wonderful tree
I hope you love it, just as much as me!

Teacher: Mrs. Bushmaker

Congratulations to Paul. Hannah, and Kendra on being this year's Forest Appreciation Week writing contest winners!