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Zach Whittinghill Grandparent Essay Winner

Zach Whittinghill and his grandmother Evelyn Raymer.

A North Butler Elementary student was selected Butler County Winner in the 2011-2012 Grandparent of the Year essay contest sponsored by AARP Kentucky, the Kentucky Retired Teachers, and the Butler County Retired Teachers' Association.  Zachary Whittinghill, of Roundhill, is among thousands of Kentucky fifth graders who participated in the 11th Annual Essay competition for  2011-2012.  Students submitted essays answering why "My Grandparent should be the AARP Kentucky Grandparent of the Year"  to their 5th grade teachers who select the school's winner.  Each participating school winner and school receives recognition certificates.

As the county winner, Zach receives a framed certificate for his efforts, and the essay was submitted for district competition.  He and other district winners then become eligible to participate in the state finals.  In a recognition ceremony the "Grandparent of the Year" and student are honored at the Annual KRTA Convention in Louisville in April.  The state winner also receives a $100 saving bond.  Zach was in the top three out of twelve county winning essays in district competition.

The essay competition is a unique was AARP Kentucky and KRTA recognizes the significant contributions that older Kentuckians make toward shaping the lives and values of youth across the Commonwealth. Across the country and in Kentucky, an increasing number of adults 50 and over are the primary caregivers to minor children.  The 200 census data showed nearly 36,000 grandparents in Kentucky serve as primary caregivers for their grandchildren.

Zach's Essay:

"Rockin' With Grandma"
What makes a good grandparent? Well, I think my grandmother, Evelyn Raymer, fits the description. She is a fun, caring, amazing, and independent lady. She owns her own business and is a huge part of my family. I love her and will always be proud to have her as a grandparent.

Let me explain why she is so great. Since my mom is a teacher, grandma will pick me up from school so I don't have to stay late. Then, she lets me do my homework at her house. There it's only us and its nice and quiet. Unlike at home where my youngest sibling, Luke, is very distracting---complete chaos describes it best.

Grandma understands how it is to be a middle child. Some people know how it is to have two younger siblings or two older siblings. She and I are both middle children. She understands when no one else does. She gets how I feel and that means a lot.

Some of the most fond memories with her would be concerts. We have been to some really famous band concerts like AC/DC, Journey, Foreigner, Def Leppard, and Heart. Some concerts were more memorable than others, such as the time we went to AC/DC which was my first concert. She is even cooler than that because she has as much fun as I do.

Even though, she does this cool stuff with me, my siblings have the same marvelous relationship. She will go to my eldest brother's band competitions that last until midnight. So, as you can see, she has a cool bond with all three of us.

So, I thank you for reading my essay. Win or lose, she will always be grandparent of the year to me. She's an understanding, wonderful, nice woman. Evelyn Raymer is grandparent of the year worthy!

Zach is the son of Todd and Kim Whittinghill.

Phyllis Tate  presents Kari McClellan with a gift from the Butler County Retired Teachers.

The Butler County Retired Teachers presented Zach with a certificate and a gift during their luncheon on Monday.  Butler County Spelling Bee winner Kari McClellan was also recognized with a gift and certificate. Kari and Zach can owe some of their success to their Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Jayne Jennings.

Mrs. Edith Gary and Bill Hampton, president of the Butler County Retired Teachers.
Mrs. Edith Gary, a member of the Butler County Retired Teachers, was nominated for the Kentucky Retired Teacher Volunteer of the Year Award for 2012. She recently received the news that she was selected as the Third District Retired Teacher Volunteer of the Year Award for 2012 and her nomination has already been forwarded to the state level.

Congratulations to Zach, Kari, and Mrs. Edith.

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Comments

Thank you, Diane for always covering the news of Butler Countians especially about our successful students & retired teachers from Butler County. BTN & BTN-Radio is one of the very best things that has happened to Butler County in a long time! Keep up the great work! Phyllis Tate
Congrats Zach! What a thoughtful and caring letter. You have a wonderful family!!! Also Congrats to sweet Kari and Mrs. Gary! Three nice people with well deserved awards.
So proud of Zach! He is an awesome kid!
This touches my heart.


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