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Students’ song and photo head to nationals

Sunday, April 12, 2009

(Updated 3:00 am)

By E.A. Seagraves
Staff Writer

It’s a good thing Lauren Easter , 7, decided at the last minute not to enter a drawing into the PTA Reflections contest.
Instead, the Millis Road Elementary second-grader entered an original song, winning first place in the state.

First-grader John Hudgins, 7, of Southwest Guilford Elementary won first place honors in photography for a self-portrait.
Their entries have been sent to the national-level competition. They’ll find out later this month if they’ve won.

“It’s the first song I’ve ever wrote,” Lauren said. “My pawpaw helped me. He’s a song artist, too. He plays (guitar) at this place called the Barn Dinner Theatre.”

Lauren’s song is called “Wow,” also the theme of this year’s contest. “It’s about wow being so great and how you see things that make you say, 'Wow,’” Lauren said.

“I was excited about it,” John, 7, said of his state win.

“I took a picture of myself,” said John. “I took the camera and held it out in front of me and took the picture.”

His decision to snap a picture of himself was inspired by a biblical reference from Psalms: “He was beautifully and wonderfully made.”

His mom, Dawn Hudgins , said they printed the picture in black and white for a dramatic effect.

Lauren said she sings at home and in the choir at church. Her favorite song is “I Want It All,” from “High School Musical 3.”

Lauren loves singing, acting and dancing. If she had entered the drawing category, she had planned to draw a singer. “I pretty much would have drawn someone singing in Hollywood or Broadway in front of millions of people screaming and shouting, “ Lauren said.

John loves taking pictures, possibly inspired by his mom’s love of the hobby. “I do a lot of photography,” Hudgins said. “I guess it was a natural thing for him to do. He’s always trying to get his hands on my camera. This is one time he could be allowed to do that.”

Hudgins thinks the contest is important to building children’s self-esteem. “Especially now when we’re trying to teach kids to have self-confidence and better understanding of themselves.”

Kristen Easter, Lauren’s mom, is proud of her daughter and believes the contest is a good way to build-esteem and offer recognition.

“I never entered (the contest) before and I’m like, 'Wow, I can’t believe how far I’ve gotten and this is my first time entering,’” Lauren said.

“I want to do it next year,” John said. He thinks he may enter another photo.

Anjali Kapil of Greensboro, who attends The Academy at Lincoln, placed third for literature at the state level.

Contact E.A. Seagraves at 883-4422, Ext. 241, or elizabeth.seagraves@news-record.com

Accompanying Photos

Photo Caption: Lauren Easter’s song, “Wow,” won the state level PTA Reflections contest. It’s now competing at the national level. courtesy of the Easter family

Additional Photos