Bay student is Honorable Finalist in Library of Congress contest

Bay Middle School fifth-grader Annabella Mayer with her parents, David and Jacquelyn Mayer, and her brother, David. Photo by Anne Hurtuk

Bay Middle School fifth-grader Annabella Mayer was recognized as an Ohio Level 1 Honorable Finalist in the Library of Congress' Letters About Literature 2016 Contest.

Students entering the contest write letters to the author of a book that has made a difference in their lives. Annabella wrote her letter to author Jerry Spinelli about his book, "Stargirl."

Annabella explained that Mr. Spinelli's book helped her realize that she didn't need to fit in with the crowd. "I, like everyone, am not perfect. I don’t always fit in," she wrote.

"All my life, I’ve thought that being different, being imperfect, was somehow inferior. That it was to be tolerated, not embraced. But now, I know something new. Stargirl has taught me what no parent could convince me of. You really should embrace that difference."

Annabella was one of seven students recognized in Ohio's top Level 1 (grades 4-6) out of 974 entries from all over the state. She attended the awards ceremony with her parents, Jacquelyn and David Mayer, her brother, David, and her Enrichment Resources Teacher, Anne Hurtuk, on May 7 at the main branch of the Cleveland Public Library.