Lakewood Fourth Grader Wins ‘I Love Lakewood’ Essay Contest

A book inspired fourth-grader Morgan Harper of to think about her city.

In doing so, she captured the fifth-annual "Why I Love Lakewood" essay contest, sponsored by the .

Open to all of the school district’s fourth graders, the chamber received more than 100 entries. 

Morgan will receive $100 in cash plus the honor of "flipping the switch" on the holiday lights with Santa at on Dec. 3. 

Here’s her essay:

Why I Love Lakewood By Morgan Harper

This past summer I had the opportunity to observe my sister’s Advanced English project. The assignment was to read the book, A Walk Across America, and then do some walks of their own...across Lakewood. I had the chance to go with my sister on a few of her walks and I learned so many things about Lakewood that made me realize how great this city really is. So many old buildings, so many unique houses all different sizes and shapes, so many little shops I never knew existed. But the best part of Lakewood to me is the people. My mom described Lakewood as a melting pot. I wanted to know what that meant so I did a Google search. A melting pot is a place where people of all cultures, races and religions blend together. As I looked around Lakewood I saw so many different people. Some black, some white, some Arab- American. Being a bi-racial girl, I am proud to say I live in a community that really is a melting pot. There are so many churches with so many different beliefs, so many restaurants with all different kinds of food from all over the world. There are so many clubs and activities that bring all these groups together, and an awesome library and great schools that support these ideas and programs. I am so proud to be a part of this community and to say that I am growing up in Lakewood.