2008 Free Spirit Award Winners
High school winner - Adrienne Osborne
Safety video in memory of Alex Handy
Middle school winner - Jennifer Stanley
Children's book written and illustrated. Addresses the topic of helmet safety, safety around strangers, and the importance of listening. Includes game section in the back of the book. Here is a sample of the beautiful drawings and her story:
Middle school winner - Julia Bilotta
Poem on safety printed and colored
"Don’t Forget to Look"
I never really bothered to listen
I had heard the same thing so many times before
I don’t think I could be convinced to believe
I would never again walk through the door
I’ve been told to be careful every day
My mother always nagged me, “Don’t forget to look,”
I guess today I forgot to look both ways
But nothing will fix what my foolishness took
“Wait thirty minutes before you go swimming,”
I swear to you that I’ll tread the deepest of seas
Although, I may only wait ten or fifteen
Besides, I won’t drown; I swim with strength and ease
“Don’t be the one to drink and drive with your friends,”
I am not the kind to go along with the crowd
Though, I can’t guarantee I won’t take a chance
Besides, the good kids like me are way too proud
“When you’re crossing the street, remember to look,”
I guess that I will do this, but just to be nice
I may not always have time to stop and check
Besides, what are the odds that I’ll pay the price?
Of course I’ve listened, but never understood
The importance of looking, but I guess I should
I should’ve looked at everything that’s now gone
There was a perfect view from the place I stood
A halt for a moment, a turn of my head
I could’ve seen the car, I could’ve seen my life
Ignoring words mother was given to preach
I put the veil on a dark and endless strife
So believe every word and take them to heart
As advice is the one place where I’m not so smart
Your life is the only everlasting change
So love it, because it only is what you took
Take my advice: don’t forget to look