NORTHWEST ARKANSAS, Oct. 17, 2006 — Earlier this summer, hundreds of copies of the highly praised novel, The Ultimate Gift, began making their way into the hands of local sixth-grade students, as they vied for first, second and third place prizes being offered as part of The Ultimate Gift essay contest, brought to this region by Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation.
Recently, the top three winners were unveiled and recognized at a reception hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation, where they received plaques, savings bonds and an invitation to attend The Ultimate Gift movie premiere event on Nov. 30, 2006. Winners are:
Emily Thompson, a sixth-grade student at Helen Tyson Middle School in Springdale, was selected as first place winner, receiving a $250 savings bond. According to Therese Thompson, Emily's mother, Emily loves to read and write. "We are very proud of Emily. I read the book after reading Emily's essay because I wanted to know what the ultimate gift was, and more importantly, because I saw the positive affect reading the book had on Emily," said Thompson.
Brandyn Young, a student at McNair Middle School in Fayetteville, received second place honors for his essay, citing the gifts of problems, laughter, family and money as the gifts that inspired him the most. Brandyn received a $125 savings bond. "I love writing and I've liked it all throughout elementary school and middle school," said Young. "My teachers have always inspired me to read and they have taught me how fun reading really is," added Young.
Madison Turner, a student at Gravette Upper Elementary School, was awarded third place for her essay about the gift of love. Madison received a $75 savings bond. According to Turner, she learned of the contest through her English teacher and entered the contest because she loves to write. When asked what she thought about the book, Turner responded. "I loved the book! It made me look at things differently. I realize that things aren't always how they seem to be, but how we choose to view them."
A distinguished panel of judges from throughout the region evaluated essays based on originality, creativity and relevance to the novel, to select the winners. According to Julie Davis, who serves on the Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation Advisory Council, "We were genuinely impressed at the overall response from the community and the quality of essays received." Davis added, "The students we selected as the top three winners demonstrated creative writing skills and a keen ability to articulate the true meaning of the novel."
Community members who served as judges for The Ultimate Gift essay contest included: Don Bland (Rogers), Julie Davis (Siloam Springs), Cynthia Hasseloff (Springdale), Hunter Haynes (Rogers), Sally McCluskey (Springdale), Rebecca Newth (Fayetteville), Sharon Spurlin (Eureka Springs), Courtney Spurlock (Huntsville), Rusty Turner (Springdale), Eddie Vega (Springdale).
ABOUT THE ULTIMATE GIFT ESSAY CONTEST
The Ultimate Gift essay contest encouraged sixth-grade students from Benton, Carroll, Madison and Washington counties to read the novel and compose an original essay about their favorite of 12 gifts. Students were given approximately 30 days to read the novel and submit an essay.
After reading the book and seeing how it could touch the lives of many northwest Arkansas residents, Dr. Rick and Julie Roblee of Roblee Orthodontics stepped forward to sponsor The Ultimate Gift essay contest, in partnership with Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation.
"The novel inspires people to open their hearts and embrace the many gifts in our lives, while teaching us the value of family, friends, and giving to those less fortunate," said Rick Roblee. "By sponsoring The Ultimate Gift essay contest, our goal is to begin teaching our children the importance of giving back to the community and creating a legacy for future generations," added Julie Roblee.
ABOUT THE NOVEL
Penned by inspirational author Jim Stovall in five short days, The Ultimate Gift tells the story of a 24-year-old, who hasn't had to work a day in his life, and his transformation of character as he learns the importance of 12 life-changing gifts, including family, friends, giving, gratitude, and love. Selling more than three million copies, the novel is a timeless story of hope, inspiration, and the positive impact philanthropy and generosity make in the lives of others. See GIFTS FACT SHEET for more details about the life-changing gifts included in The Ultimate Gift.
ABOUT THE ULTIMATE GIFT MOVIE PREMIERE EVENT
The essay contest and other recent events surrounding the novel, The Ultimate Gift, are a build up to the national premiere of the novel-turned-movie. As Hollywood has embraced the novel, so have members of the northwest Arkansas business community. Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation, along with The Arbors at Pinnacle Ridge and Bank of Arkansas, will bring the national premiere of the film to Rogers, Arkansas on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006. An invitation-only reception will follow the movie, which will be attended by the author of The Ultimate Gift, Jim Stovall.
ABOUT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
A Community Foundation is a collection of funds built through charitable contributions dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people in their community. Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation serves the people living in Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties. The Foundation has given more than $5 million in grants nonprofit organizations and currently holds more than $13 million in endowed assets. For more information, visit www.nwacf.org.
