I'm a Child of Appalachia

26 Pages·2007·0.43 MB·English

I’m a 
Child of 
™ 
Appalachia 
Essay Winners 
2006
52
2  51
Since 1999, we’ve worked to foster access to opportunity for the region’s
families and children through the power of charitable giving. As a 501(c)
(3) public charity, the Foundation serves as a regional community foun-
dation for the 29 counties of Appalachian Ohio. We attract contribu-
tions for programs and endowment; make grants for charitable and civic
purposes; and support local and regional efforts for positive change.
Celebrating six years and more than $1 million in grants awarded, we
have accomplished much –with more to be done. We recognize educa-
tion and opportunity go hand-in-hand.
The I’m a Child of Appalachia TM campaign encourages our region’s com-
munities to invest and our region’s citizens to expect, pursue and succeed
in attaining post-secondary education. Through the lens of individual
stories, the campaign encourages positive alternatives. I’m a Child of Ap-
palachia TM promotes greater investment in the region to increase student
access and success at all levels of education.
The Foundation would like to thank the sponsors of the 2006 I’m a
Child of Appalachia™ Essay Contest, Edward Jones– Heath, Athens and
Lancaster Offices.
50  3
8th Grade Finalist
Zach Johnson (Scioto County)
This paper will discuss the many advantages and unique
opportunities of living the Appalachia Ohio. I will explain what it
means to be a child growing up in this area, what is special about this
place, and how I think this special place and people will help me suc-
ceed as I grow up.
I am a child of Appalachia. Growing up in Appalachia as a
child means being able to participate in activities without the worries
of violence which many metropolitan areas deal with daily. I can go
to school and see the beauty of the changing leaves without the
worry of them being destroyed by a developer the next day. Appala-
chia is the perfect place for a child who loves nature and the relative
quietness of the rolling hills and rushing water as I do.
Having lived here for a decade and a half, I have uncovered
many of the things that make Appalachia very special. We have a
rich heritage where strong traditions flourish. This allows our com-
munities to be closely intertwined in the history and culture of our
area. Unlike most areas, we can exist in peace and tranquility and live
life to its fullest.
This special place along with its people will help me succeed
as I grow up by teaching me morals and values. My 4H advisors are
perfect examples of these people. Every year they teach me what is
right and wrong losing hundreds of dollars in the process. Living in
Appalachia means living on land that is special because it has been
passed from one generation to the next, farmed for its bounty, and
enjoyed for its natural beauty.
I am a child of Appalachia. This is such a great place full of
helpful people and undisturbed beauty. From the rolling hills and
clear water to the biggest city, I live in peace and tranquility, Appala-
chia is an area where there is no limit as to what I can attain. That is
why I am proud to be a child of Appalachia.
4  49
8th Grade Finalist Recognition and Appreciation
Kailey Longpre (Ross County) In September, 2006, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio spon-
Growing up in Appalachia Ohio sored the first “I’m A Child of Appalachia Essay Contest” in an effort to
encourage Appalachian children to begin considering the strengths of the
I’m a child of Appalachia and I love it that way! I wasn’t always a geographic region which they call “home.” Members of the FAO Board
child of a small town though. I was born in LA, California, and moved here and Staff assisted in the application process and creation of the prompt.
when I was five years old. Moving from a huge city in the Sunshine State to Students from the 29 counties of the federally defined area of Appalachia
a small town where cornfields run for miles and miles was a huge difference. were invited to participate, and 735 individuals, representing 20 counties,
responded to the following prompt.
My first thought when I moved here was “Gosh it stinks out here!” I mean
it literally stunk because of Mead Corporation (it still does). I will never
What does it mean to be a child growing up in Appalachian Ohio?
forget my first best friend Brenna. We are still friends today! I think grow-
Please tell what is special about this place, and how you think this special place
ing up in a small town keeps you closer to everyone.
and people will help you succeed as you grow up.
In Los Angeles you never recognized any familiar faces in the local
Wal-Marts like you do in Chillicothe. 5:00 traffic was ten times larger then The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio extends special thanks to
what you get on Bridge Street. On Christmas Day it was 75 degrees out and Muskingum College for its significant support of the essay contest. Eng-
sunny instead of 10 below with heavy snow falling from the sky. The little lish Education majors assisted in the screening of the essays, while faculty
members designed the assessment process and identified the finalists.
things like going out to eat in a restaurant were so much different in Califor-
nia. Every restaurant was packed full with many different ethnicities.
Special appreciation is extended to:
I still miss California sometimes. I wouldn’t mind seeing all of my
childhood friends again. We lived only minutes away from the beach, which
was great, because I absolutely love to swim! The house we had in Califor- Muskingum College 
nia was beautiful. I have so many memories in that house like when my best New Concord, Ohio
friend Joey let my bird fly away and he blamed it on me or when my sister
locked my brothers out naked on the front porch and then called all of her
friends to come over and see them. That was hilarious! We even had a pool
in our backyard. There wasn’t a day that I didn’t swim in that pool. But
Paul Reichardt, Vice President for Academic Affairs, whose idea it was to
my favorite thing to do in California was to sit on the stucco wall, while
honor the student winners with this booklet;
eating my brothers famous macaroni and cheese, and watching the sunset
Danielle White, Executive Secretary to the Vice President for Academic
come out with my brothers. Affairs, who typed the booklet; and
But after moving out here I realized that it isn’t so bad being a Barb Hansen, Dave Longaberger Professor of Teaching and Learning,
small town girl. You have advantages out here. Everyone knows everyone. who organized the assessment process for the College and FAO.
There isn’t a lot of crime. You have great schools and great friends! I have
Muskingum College Faculty Muskingum College Students
big dreams for the future and I’m still going to go after them even though I
Kathy Brown Lindsay Bond
do live out in a small town. I don’t think living in a small town will affect
Joy Cowdery Morgan Ford
your goals and dreams. You just have to go after them no matter what!
Molly Kincaid Kayla Hansel
Well overall I am proud to be child of Appalachia. I wouldn’t
Vivian Wagner Sadie LePage
change it for anything. Ohio is awesome! I love it and I have no regrets Vicki Wilson Laura Taylor 
moving out here. 
48  5
8th Grade Finalist
Eddie Torrero (Tuscarawas County)
Growing up in Appalachia Ohio
Imagine yourself in an incredibly beautiful, and peaceful land
of pure enchantment. The place I’m talking about is Ohio but to be
more specific Appalachia Ohio. Appalachia Ohio is a great place to
4th­5th­6th Grade Winner  Layne Gerbig  Page 8 
grow up because growing up in Appalachia Ohio has taught me to be
7th­8th Grade Winner  Katie S. Lambert  Page 9  considerate, respectful, and I think has given me an advantage to life. I
say this because so many of us take for granted that where we are lo-
cated is more than just a place to live.
4 th Grade Honorable Mention  Mason Montgomery  Page 10  Being a child growing up in Appalachia Ohio may be one of
Harlie Schaeffer  Page 11  the greatest things that I have ever experienced. Growing up here has
also taught me that I live in a place where there are people who care
about you and people who know you to be able to say hello everyday.
5 th Grade Honorable Mention  Conor Markins  Page 12  Imagine a place where no one says hello or even looks at you. Living
Sarah Travis  Page 13 
in a place like that would have children learning and growing up doing
horrible in school because they wouldn’t have any motivation. Chil-
dren would also grow into adults who do the same for the next genera-
6 th Grade Honorable Mention  Paige Collins  Page 14 
tion of children. Well that’s pretty much the opposite of where I live
Alexis Gribble  Page 15 
and just imagining that would make me glad that I live where I do.
Not only are there great people but great sites are plentiful. In
Appalachia Ohio there are many beautiful things to see such as the
7 th Grade Honorable Mention  Jon Cunningham  Page 16 
Rachel Nomina  Page 17  endless hills full of lush green tress. Not to mention the snow on the
trees and the rest of the landscape. Also the leaves of the trees has a
beauty of what you think you could get lost in when you just stare at
8 th Grade Honorable Mention  Robby Hinshaw  Page 18  them. The landscape helps you succeed while you grow up because the
Dylan Lewton  Page 19  pure beauty of Appalachia Ohio is a sheer endless home of motivation.
To people with great minds this kind of motivation could inspire them
to take risks and follow their dreams and become important people to
our society.
To be a child growing up in Appalachia Ohio not only means
having people to help you and the beautiful landscape to motivate you
but it also means being able to do things to their potential and to be
successful as they get older.
6  47
8th Grade Finalist
4 th Grade Finalist  Matthew Gray  Page 20 
Stacy Stump (Gallia County) Tyler Pisch  Page 21 
Zack Kelly  Page 22 
My Life in Appalachia
Ashley Irwin  Page 23 
My name is Stacy Stump and I live in Gallia County Ohio. Gallia County Nicole Camponsechi  Page 24 
Austin Keefer  Page 25 
is one of the 29 counties in Ohio located in the Appalachia region, or also known as
Sydney Marrs  Page 26 
the Appalachian foothills. This beautiful land is fruitful in its own way, although
many people deny it. Everyday is calm and delightful. These days I am busy with
school, but there are always opportunities to spend time with family and appreciate 5 th Grade Finalist  Corey Sherman  Page 27 
the real beauty of the Appalachian foothills. Sloane Massie  Page 28 
Greyson Griffiths  Page 29 
There are a lot of things that people do here in Gallia County, which can-
Brianna Tavoletti  Page 30 
not be done in big cities, like Columbus. One benefit of living in Appalachia region
Devin King  Page 31 
is the amount of game that is located in the large forests around here. Hunting is a Cora Landrum  Page 32 
major activity that many people enjoy. A lot of my friends and I are hunters and I Nathan Parks  Page 33 
have to admit, it does give you a thrill. It makes you realize the beauty of our home-
land, and the meat is not bad either. A lot of people refer to us country folk as
6 th Grade Finalist  Zulfa Rizquiya  Page 34 
“rednecks,” but I could really care less. Believe it or not, I am proud of it.
Elizabeth Schoeppner  Page 35 
There are a lot of other qualities that make this area fun, like snow days in Alex Staron  Page 36 
the winter. The one thing about the Appalachian region is the giant hills it provides.
It usually snows a good bit here in the winter and those hills make for some awe-
7 th Grade Finalist  Bridget Kimes  Page 37 
some sleigh riding. That’s another good thing about southern Ohio. The seasons are
Jordan Ravine  Page 38 
always so perfect and precisely the way they’re supposed to be. In the fall, the trees
Gretta Reyer  Page 39 
are a wonderful field of gold, and in the winter they are covered with a glistening
Olivia Sprague  Page 40 
white blanket of snow. In the spring the hills come alive as new life moves about. Caden Brooker  Page 41 
The blazing hot temperatures of summer are perfect for outdoor water sports. Kate Gordon  Page 42 
Jordan Lockhart  Page 43 
Whatever the season there is always something to do here in the foothills of the
Appalachians. Whether it’s the Bob Evans’ farm festival or the Gallia County fair.
Even local sports events, but it’s a sure thing you’ll never get bored. 8 th Grade Finalist  Alicyn Campbell  Page 44 
Many people in this area have an old-fashioned lifestyle. Farms are big in Madison Bauer  Page 45 
this area, and most people have blue collar jobs. When you go into town you don’t Stacy Stump  Page 46 
Eddie Torrero  Page 47 
have to fight the traffic or live in fear. Most people in this area make you feel safe,
Kailey Longpre  Page 48 
but I am worried that even that will change in time.
Zach Johnson  Page 49
I am proud to live here in the Appalachian foothills and it has really made
me appreciate the value of life and the beauty of our land. Something as simple as
stargazing in the evening reminds me of that. It may not be the most upbeat town
in the world, but I love it, and when I grow up, I am not sure if I will ever be able to
leave here. I would definitely miss my family and the love of this town. No matter
what I do or where I go I will take the life lessons taught to me in this town and
cherish them forever. My true home will always be here in the cool, crisp land of
Appalachia. 
46  7
4 – 5 – 6 Grade Winner 8th Grade Finalist
Madison Bauer (Washington County)
Layne Gerbig (Tuscarawas County)
I’m a Child of Appalachia
I’m a Child of Appalachia
Appalachian Ohio builds a foundation that helps me succeed in
Tree covered hills, blazing with color spread across our growing up and teaches me special things as a child living here. I think grow-
county this time of year. White tailed deer frolic through the forest ing up in Appalachian Ohio, means that you have more learning experi-
ences. This is because we absorb what happens in the other states around us
areas, playful squirrels scamper about, and birds soar through the skies.
such as Hurricane Katrina and 9/11 and try to help out. We learn to support
As the trees thrive and mature, their roots grow deep into the group of
disastrous events as they teach us a lesson about bonding and how fortunate
Appalachia Ohio. As a child of Appalachia Ohio, my roots also grow
one can be. Growing up in Appalachian Ohio also means you know more
and deepen as I live and learn in this area rich in natural resources and
about the historical background here and what great achievers have come
heritage.
from Appalachia. On the other end, it means growing up in “Hillbilly”
Our Appalachian heritage is shaped by the craftsmanship country compared to New York or California. Yet, I also think that we are
found in the pottery, woodwork, quilts and baskets of this region. As underestimated at being “hicks” because Appalachian Ohio has many intelli-
Appalachians, our love of nature and its resources are shared through gent people living here.
folk music and art. The history of Appalachia Ohio is shared and re- There are many things special about Appalachian Ohio. One is
that, the time pace is slow which means we are old fashioned. That may not
corded through folk tales and legends. As the oral history is passed
sound important, but it gives us more time to appreciate family values and to
from grandparent to grandchild so is the love for this land and its lan-
be able to stop and look at the world around us. In addition, the cities aren’t
guage. Our values of faith, friendship, and family bind our communi-
too busy or full, so there is a lot of land that we benefit from and goods we
ties into tight knit groups that are ready to share and celebrate as well
can make here. Farming was one of the first ways of getting food, and in
as help when it hurts.
Appalachia we still follow through with that and continue to produce those
As a child of Ohio Appalachia, I will grow and mature and be crops. As historical as this place is, there are many monuments and land-
exposed to different cultures, different places, and different ideas. marks that teach us about the past and make us think more critically about
However, my roots are deep in Ohio Appalachia, and Ohio Appala- what life could have been like back then. Appalachian Ohio may be slow on
chia will always be a part of me. The life lessons of perseverance and what is happening but the people and places here are fast on helping me
accomplish many things as I grow up.
peacefulness, and the appreciation of simple beauty and song will go
Going through the stage where you start to make more decisions,
with me wherever I go. I might leave this land, but Ohio Appalachia
as you get older can be hard. As I am entering this now, I am starting to
will always welcome me home. 
realize what Appalachian Ohio is doing for me. Also, I would like to prac-
tice law as an adult and living here may give me apathy for those who have
grown up like me with the view of a “hillbilly.” Growing up in Appalachian
Ohio has led me to discover that I am more fortunate than I thought. To
conclude, I have never regretted being part of the Appalachian community
even with the negative stereotype that goes with it. This is where my heart is
and will stay.
8  45
8th Grade Finalist 7 – 8 Grade Winner
Alicyn Campbell (Tuscarawas County) Katie S. Lambert (Pike County)
I’m a Child of Appalachia I’m a Child of Appalachia Essay Contest
To be a child of Appalachia Ohio is the greatest privilege one could ever
Appalachia Ohio is the only place I have ever lived and that
imagine. To wake up every morning knowing that as soon as I step outdoors I’ll
makes it very special to me. That helps me understand its beauty and
have the view of a lifetime: lush green grass covered with tiny crystal-clear drops
importance. This place has been very special to me and there are many
of dew and beyond the sunset, rolling hills so beautiful they take my breath away!
reasons why. Appalachia Ohio is a very dear and special place to me. I think that
I find many things in Appalachia Ohio beautiful. Some of those growing up here will be the most memorable place in my childhood. I feel sorry
things include its rolling, green hills. I love going out into the country for those not from a rural environment because they’re missing out on the best
and seeing beautiful hills lined with sunrises and sunsets of vibrant col- education possible –lessons one could never learn in big cities, and tasks most
others wouldn’t attempt in their dizziest daydreams. Not just things learned
ors. Also, the star-filled sky at night when you are lying on your back on
from books, but experiences that city kids don’t get: like 4-H clubs, the county
a blanket on the dew covered grass, staring up into the radiant night sky.
fair, marching with the band in the small town festivals, corn mazes, Magic Wa-
Some things that make Appalachia Ohio special are being able
ters Theatre, deer season, and living off the bountiful land.
to walk outside, sit on your front porch, and not hear the sound of a car
To me, Appalachia Ohio is a very spectacular place, and that doesn’t
zipping by. You can hear only the sounds of birds chirping and bees
even begin to explain how much I owe my parents for allowing me to grow up
buzzing. You can walk down the middle of a street and not see one car here. What makes this place so special to me is the beautiful scenery, the excite-
pass you by. My school has contributed to me, and has given me so ment it brings to the soul to live here, the opportunities one has, and most impor-
much, and I definitely appreciate all that it has given to me. Those are tantly, the people here that support me. At school, the teacher’s are more than I
some things that make Appalachia Ohio special. could ever ask for. They are so supportive and helpful. One of the benefits of
small-town living is our close-knit community. Our graduating classes are around
Some of the people of my town make Appalachia Ohio special
50-75 students. My mother had her own mother for an English teacher. That is
also. My family will definitely help me succeed and grow as a person. My
an experience most kids will never have! My mother‘s best friend from high
friends have made Appalachia Ohio special also. The have made me the
school was my music teacher last year! You can’t hide in the crowd, because
person I am today, and they will help me grow too.
there is no crowd! There are very few secrets, because everyone knows everyone
I think that if I had lived somewhere else such as a big city, I
else!
wouldn’t be the same person I have come to be. I may not be as nice and Then there’s close friends and family that I live with and around. They
generous as I am now. I wouldn’t have the same friends. I may not have are nothing but loving and kind. Family traditions are passed down to the new
the same goals, so I may not succeed. I’m glad that I grew up in a small generations –things like gardening, sewing and quilting, canning, baking, hunt-
town, and I used to live in the country and it has greatly affected me. ing, mushroom hunting, and growing herbs.
Living here in Appalachia and with these wonderful people will help
Living in Appalachia Ohio has been a wonderful experience.
me succeed in so many ways. I will succeed because I’m from Appalachia Ohio.
Everything from its beauty, to its importance has been very good to me.
I am glad that I awake to that lush green, witness dazzling sunsets, and sleep un-
I love living in such a beautiful place. I think I am very lucky and genu-
der twinkling stars. I am a privileged child of Appalachia.
ine and very grateful. That is why Appalachia Ohio is a beautiful and
special place in my heart. 
44  9
4th Grade Honorable Mention 7th Grade Finalist
Mason Montgomery (Scioto County) Jordan Lockhart (Washington County)
Life in the Country
I am a child of Appalachia. I really like living in this area. I
don’t have to worry about being safe when I go outside. Not having
This is what I like about growing up in the Appalachia area.
to worry about being safe allows me to be outside more. I really like
I like to watch the deer run across the fields and it is nice to go out in
to play with my friends and family outside. Being outside also brings
the woods to hunt. In the afternoon, I like to listen to the crickets
me closer to God and His creation. Religion is also a big part of this
and the birds. At night, I like to play and catch the fireflies and
area. Living here has taught me to love God. The people around here
when the wind shakes the trees, it makes a nice sound.
are also nicer. They are friendlier, and you could go up to anyone in
In spring, I like to help my dad plant a big garden. Then
the store or some place like that and say hi and they would greet you
summer comes and I go camping with my family and go to family
back. I also like to live here because we don’t have to worry about a
reunions. I like to play in the woods with my friends. When I play
lot of natural disasters other people have to worry about, such as
in the creek, my grandpa and I sometimes make paint out of rocks
hurricanes and tornadoes. A lot of us kids also have gardens and
and pretend I am a great warrior. In the evening, I like to listen to
chores that we are responsible for. Having to take care of these
the water hitting against the rocks. I also, like to play baseball with
things teaches us to be hard working and responsible. I also like liv-
my friends. In the fall, I like to feel the cool draft in the morning
ing in this area because of the food. In this area most people know
and look at the colorful leaves that fall from the trees.
where their food came from, or they grew or raised it themselves.
I think growing up in Appalachia will help me be successful
The food is also healthier. A big part of why I like living here is the
because with all the experiences of being in this area it will help me
good education. I love being in a small school. It lets the teachers
get a good job. I think I am good at many different things. I like to
give you more attention when you need it. You also know everyone
take things apart and put them back together again especially model
in your class. There are no cliques, you are all just friends. You also
cars. Someday, I will go to college, get a good education and buy a
learn respect for other people when you are in a small school. You
big house here in the Appalachian area. 
don’t have to worry about having the right clothes or hairstyle or
listening to the right kind of music. Being in a small school and in a
small town teaches you to be close to family. Family is a very impor-
tant part of my life and my friends’ lives. Being here also teaches us
values that will help us be better adults and people when we grow
up, like responsibility, being hard-working, and loving God. That is
why I like being a child of Appalachia.
10  43