
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, June 6, 1994                   TAG: 9406090033
SECTION: MISCELLANEOUS                    PAGE: NF-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

HERE'S WINNER OF JUDGE'S SPECIAL AWARD

Although the following essay did not win NewsFun's annual writing contest, it is the recipient of a special judge's award. Nisha Nagarkatti, a sixth-grader at Blacksburg Middle School and a winner in last year's contest, is the author.

I have been proud many times, such as when I do well in school, when our team was selected for state competition in Odyssey of the Mind, when I won in vaulting, and when I accomplished something like playing my violin, clarinet and piano.

When I'm proud, I always remember all the disappointments on the way there. There is no single event that has made me the most proud. I'm proud of a lot of things.

My proud moments have not come without disappointments. Even when I'm upset because I didn't do well, I have to remember to be proud because I tried my hardest.

When I'm proud, I feel on top of the world. Everybody congratulates me and everybody is so nice. My family, friends, and especially me, are excited, but I try not to brag.

When I don't achieve what I wish to, I feel like a failure. I know in my heart that I'm not. No one is a total failure. But being disappointed helps me set a goal next time to make myself proud. Being upset also helps me work harder to reach that goal.

I often wish that I will always be proud myself. When I'm upset, I remember this quote from a poem of an unknown poet.'

"Others will cheer the winning man, but I cheer the one who loses with a smile for he is the true winner." This quote helps me be proud all the time.

- By Nisha Nagarkatti

by CNB