Students Describe Why Kids + Grandparents = Love

The ceremony at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit "was standing room only," Davis said. "People were moved to tears" as Kevin read his essay aloud.

Kevin plans to attend Bowling Green State University in Ohio this fall.

His own grandchildren are years away, but Kevin said he wants to be "the kind of grandfather that my grandfather is.

"I would make the effort to support and give encouragement where it was needed, not just one grandkid, but all of them," he said in an interview.

The contest is open to students in public or private elementary, middle and high schools. The overall winner will receive a $500 scholarship at a ceremony Sept. 11, Grandparents Day. Second- and third-place overall winners will get scholarships of $250 and $100. First-, second- and third-place winners in three age categories will receive medals.

Students may submit one essay. It can be about one or more grandparents, living or deceased. Essays from children 6 to 10 are limited to 300 words; from children 11 to 14, a maximum of 500 words; and students 15 to 18, up to 750 words.

Essays must be postmarked by midnight Aug. 19 and sent to AARP Michigan, Grandparents Day Essay Contest, 309 N. Washington Square, Suite 110, Lansing, MI 48933. In addition, entries can be faxed to 517-482-2794 or emailed to kabishop@aarp.org.

Also of interest: The unique role of aunts and uncles. >>

Rick Haglund is a writer living in Birmingham, Mich.