2008 Peak Student Award First Place Winners

 

          Judges of the recently concluded 2008 Peak Award for Students were impressed by the quality and quantity of entries in the recently concluded contest. Judges named two first place winners, one for the best poem (Stephanie Rioux) and one for best essay (Kate LaRue). In addition to having their submissions published, both first place winners were awarded $200 and personalized plaques. Tanner Miller was awarded third place. His essay will be published in a future issue.

Best Essay
 
Preserving Our Desert for the Benefit of All
 
By Kate LaRue
 

          The extraordinary views, the smell of fresh air, the feeling of accomplishment. These all make up the exhilaration of hiking in Arizona's beautiful environment. There are numerous mountains, parks, and trails that residents and visitors can enjoy. However, at the rate we're going, Arizona is losing land as time flies by. Without our desert, how are we supposed to admire our state's gorgeous, exquisite land?

          First of all, outdoor activities provide people with a feeling that a gym membership can't. While hiking, you become part of the surrounding nature. You take in all of the natural noises and sights around you, and that invigorates you. When I walk with my mom and dad out in the desert, I'm always very aware of my surroundings. I notice uniquely shaped cacti, different plants that my dad and I have memorized, and the mountain ranges that cast picturesque shadows over the land. Noises also catch my attention. I can hear the breeze blowing by, the rocks and dirt shuffling under my feet, and sometimes even coyote howls in the distance. Also, with the serene environment engulfing me, I then have a clear mind to think to myself without any distractions. There are no unnecessary noises in the background that take my mind elsewhere.

          Secondly, outdoor activities are not only enjoyable but healthy for you as well. Hiking gives you an excellent exercise. No matter what pace you travel at, it still keeps you moving. Additionally, these activities build your self-esteem. When I hike mountains such as Piestewa Peak and Pinnacle Peak, there are points that make them challenging. However, I know I can't give in; I have to keep moving to get to the end of the trail. When I finally do make it to the end marker, this huge feeling of triumph and success overcomes me. I know I just achieved a huge accomplishment, and I'm very proud of myself. This emotion also encourages me to try it again soon. When you go hiking, there's nothing that can put you down. You're guaranteed to finish an outdoor activity feeling great about yourself.

         

Finally, outdoor activities are great now, but will they still be here in the future? I can't predict the future, but there's a high chance there won't be many trails to hike or parks to enjoy. Construction is obliterating most of Arizona's land and desert. When you drive around town, you most likely see buildings going up where before there was endless desert. Try thinking about an area where there isn't construction. If you're like me, you're either still thinking or have come to the conclusion there isn't such a place. The majority of these new buildings are shopping centers. How many of these do we need? I'd rather hike a trail than go shopping at a store that's already in the area. If the thought of losing beautiful land is disturbing to you, don't let it happen. If many people got together and formed a protest or petition, we could create more parks that would conserve the land. There's still time to make a difference.

          If you haven't experienced the happiness of outdoor activities, than I recommend trying it. You'll realize how depressing it would be to lose such a wonderful privilege. Hiking and other outdoor sports bring thrills, health, and confidence into people’s lives. There's no negative effect. If we lost such a wonderful benefit, there wouldn't be anything that could take its place. Now is the time to act to save what's left of Arizona's land. Then today's generation and future generations can enjoy it forever.

          Kate LaRue is an 8th grade student at Sonoran Trails Middle School in Scottsdale.

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Best Poem   Preserving the Sonoran   By Stephanie Rioux   The beauty of summer comes upon us each day of the year. The sunset each day at dawn makes us appreciate this place. Its landscape so lovely, a perfect model of a home to many.   The desert creatures beg for mercy, ‘Please give us a chance. The Sonoran is our home, our love. Preserve it while you can!’   The always bright and shining sun awakens you at dawn, Prickly as a cholla in the warm, warm desert air. The desert is the natural habitat, The ancient land of our ancestors, Worshiped ground for ages.   Pollution is not a homely touch, Nor do the inhabitants appreciate the loss Of their homes and food and fun, We might as well block out the Arizona sun.   Our shoulders might ache from the weight, If we only knew their grief. May we live to learn from our mistakes.   The desert, the beautiful Sonoran desert. A home, A source of food, A sentimental eyesore. And so, so much more.   It is not ours for the taking, Destruction, and polluting. It is the animals, plants and bugs That must feel the effects of our actions.   One gaze over the setting horizon, A single look at a blooming cactus flower, The soothing sound of an owl’s hoot, And you’ll fall under the enchanting spell.   It all could be gone one day, If we don’t play our part. Preserve the lovely home, The beautiful landscape across the west, That is the Sonoran Desert.   Stephanie is a 7th grade student at Sonoran Trails Middle School. Stephanie is from north Scottsdale.

Stephanie Rioux Ken Melnick Presents Award to Stephanie

e-Peak, April 2008 issue