Writer’s choice/Personal Accomplishment

A specific accomplishment: The Trevor Tangeman Award

Trevor was a student at my middle school (Hill Middle School) in 1987, who lost his battle to cystic fibrosis two days before the end of his sixth grade year. He knew he was sick, but all he wanted to do was continue to learn. The teachers at Hill thought that his legacy needed to be carried on throughout the future years and students to come. They created this award in honor of Trevor, and recognize one girl and boy in sixth grade who exemplifies Trevor’s qualities of his love for learning, kindness to others, and passion.

On my very first day of sixth grade, my teacher explained this award to our class and I was so inspired by his story and felt like I had similar qualities that I could bring out in the upcoming year. That night at dinner, I told my parents about the award and dinner and told them that I wanted to be the next girl to represent Trevor and his legacy.

The reminder of Trevor stayed in my head throughout the year. I enjoyed being in all my classes, I asked questions, I was positive within every classroom, but most of this came naturally. Towards the end of the year, I wasn’t thinking as much about Trevor and the award, until it came to be the very last day of school, the announcement day.

All of sixth grade sat for the assembly anxious to hear who would be awarded. They explained his story once again, but this time it was his dad who came to award the winners.The time came when they started to talk about the girl winner, and my english teacher read out, “someone who could smile at a wall,” “came to class excited everyday,” and “and had a clear love for learning.” She followed by, “congratulations Lucy Quarles on being the winner of the Trevor Tangeman award.”
Hearing my name shocked me. This goal I set at the beginning of the year came true. I stood out of my seat to see my whole family walk into the room to award me too. At that moment I felt so proud to represent Trevor and his legacy.

But for me, it didn’t end here. I carried this honor without me for my following school years. If anything, I grew to love learning even more. It also taught me something important: that if I put my mind to something and work for it, it will pay off. And that is exactly what happened that day. Not only was I inspired by Trevor, but I became with my drive to achieve this goal, and continue to keep this drive throughout my life.