Winning Entries
OVERALL WINNER: I Hope by Steven Shroyer
I hope
When this is over
When everything opens up
When children play on playgrounds
When buddies can enjoy a beer and a first down
When we can check out books
And watch movies in a theater
That we remember those dark days
Remember the fallen
Remember those who were deemed essential
That kept the motor of the world turning
And we see the world with new eyes
That we see each other as a part
Of a family
That we’re on this spinning ball for a short time
That from the ashes of this event
Like a wildfire that spared none
That a bud of a new plant grows
A plant called fellowship
That spreads its seeds all over this land
That we learn to love
That we learn to laugh
To see the world as a place worth fighting for
I see this happening
Everyday
Not just in times of crisis
I look under rocks of doubt and fear
And I see the beauty of this world
I didn’t need a virus to make me see this
But maybe it will make others see
And because of this
I never lose hope
ADULT WINNER: HOPE by Andy Liptak
How can we endure this plague that is sweeping us away?
Over the land, people must take time to pray
Protection, prevention, social distancing is the scope
Emerging from this crisis is our nation’s hope
TEEN WINNER: Hoping by Brooke Bauer
The jet black clouds are releasing all of the rain. Our hearts are overflowing with sorrow and much pain.
But maybe later, I’ll come across a gorgeous rainbow. And I’ll hug my relatives again whenever they are able to show.
My school has been empty and is taking a lengthened break. And I’m not there to sing to my friend or eat her birthday cake.
But later in the fall, I might learn, next to a familiar face or two. And the year we all turn older ages, birthdays won’t be so blue.
Perhaps these things are temporary and will soon leave sight. And my prayers will come true; the ones I send to Him at night.
TWEEN WINNER: When Hope is Lost by Madison Burkholder
Hope is a thing that can be lost
Hope is a thing that can be found
Hope is a thing that can be lost when negativity is around
But together we stand tall
We will help each other through it all
And we will rise to the challenge
Of the silent war.
JUNIOR WINNER: Hope by Claire Miller
I hope this Coronavirus will go away,
I do not want it to stay.
I also hope we make it all the way through,
You probably hope that too.
Jesus is giving me hope,
Which is certainly how I can cope.
Whenever He looks down on me,
I always feel light and free.
I know He will save us all,
On His name, we shall call.
He will rise upon us,
So, we do not need to fuss.
The Coronavirus is supposed to go away,
But instead, it seems it wants to stay.
I am trying my best to ignore it,
While completing my schoolwork packet.
I am not giving up on softball,
I do not just want to sit, sit, sit!
Once this virus is gone,
I will hit, hit, hit!
We are all in this together,
Let’s all stay home and make COVID-19 float away
on the wind like a feather.