Essay contest: Collier schoolchildren share reasons to be thankful

Here are the first-, second- and third-place and honorable mention winners.

First Place: Issac Rios, Highlands Elementary

I'm thankful for three things -- family, friends and my mom and dad.

I'm thankful for helping my mom, dad and brothers. Also, I'm thankful for my family and friends.

I'm also thankful for my mom and dad because they love me. My mom, dad and brothers love me and that will never stop. If it does, I won't like that and it will make me very sad.

I'm also thankful for family and friends because my family loves me and my friends like to play with me. They also have trust and loyalty.

Most of all, I'm thankful for my mom and dad because they love me a lot. They love me because I help them when they are sick. They also love me because I'm helpful and nice.

Thanksgiving is not all about food and turkey; it also means family, friends and lots of love. That's why I am thankful.

Second Place: Charlotte Wilk, Seacrest Country Day School

When I think of Thanksgiving, I remember all of the things that I am thankful for. I am thankful for the military because they protect our country; they sacrifice for us by leaving their families when they have to go to war. They also sacrifice by giving up their jobs. Our military protects our freedom and helps to keep the world safe.

Finally, I admire their bravery. I know a soldier, Mr. Keith. He is a brave person. People like him are willing to give up their lives to protect us.

Thanksgiving is a great holiday because it reminds us to be thankful. This year I am especially thankful for all of our military. My thoughts this holiday season are with all of our military families. It must be hard to be away from home during the holidays.

Third Place: Karissa Ziegelmann, Tommie Barfield Elementary

I am thankful for living in America. I can be whatever I want to be when I grow up. I can dress any way I want to. I can play in any sports. I can get a good education.

I can compromise with people. I can control my own actions. I can live where I want to. I can eat whatever I want.

I can make my own choices. I can belong to any religion I want. I can marry whoever I choose. I can celebrate any holiday I want to. I can read any book. I can wear my hair any way I want. I can write anything I want. I can travel if I want to. I can be as patriotic as I want to be.

But more than anything, I am proud to be an American!

Honorable mention: Alexandra Bolen, Sea Gate Elementary School

There are days when I think my life is terrible because something does not go my way. But really, there are lots of things in my life that I'm thankful for, like my family, school, friends and kindness in the world.

I'm really thankful for my family. When I feel down, my mom comforts me. When I feel scared, my dad makes me feel protected and takes care of me when I'm hurt. When I feel sad, my sister makes me smile by making funny faces.

I'm thankful for school and learning interesting things. Some kids in other countries can't go to school because they are working for money to buy food.

Finally, I'm thankful because I have good friends whom I trust, enjoy spending time with and are very kind. I can't imagine living in a world where people are not kind to each other.