(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, CA) - On April 7, 2007 the Friends of the San Carlos and Benjamin Branch libraries honored some of community’s finest young students at their annual essay contest.

The Friends of the Library Essay contest is an annual tradition at both libraries in which Elementary, Middle and High School students are given a choice of essay prompts to write about. Then volunteers selected the essays which they deemed to be especially outstanding and those students were recognized at a special reception at the library.

This year students were given the option of writing about the impact that a book they recently read had upon them or writing the essay in form of a letter to the Governor expressing how they felt about the state’s public library system.

The Friends also selected a student from each grade level whose essays will advance to a citywide essay contest with students from other schools and libraries across the city.

Additionally students who chose to write a letter to the governor will have an opportunity to speak to power. On a legislative trip to Sacramento, representatives from the San Diego Central Library will deliver the essays to Governor Schwarzenegger.

Appreciation for the hard work set forth by the students was expressed by City Council President Pro-Tem Jim Madaffer, School Board President Katherine Nakamura, Library Officials, Teachers and educators.

The 2008 Contest was sponsored by The San Diego Public Library, The San Diego Unified School District and The Friends of the San Diego Public Library.

2008 Essay Contest Winners: San Carlos Branch Library:

Benchley-Weinberger Elementary: JessicaYoung, Aeliana Hubbell,

DanielaVesprini-Heidrich; Dailard Elementary: Paul Osuna, Diego Mateus, Michael Wehmeyer; Gage Elementary: Natalie Stoklosa; Pershing Middle: Sharona Silverstein; Patrick Henry High: Jordan Hart, Suzanna Osuna.

Allied Gardens/Benjamin Branch Library:

Marvin Elementary: Mariana Diaz, Eric Thrush ; Hearst Elementary:

Brianne Pinto, Cameron Kock, Grace McMullen, Lewis Middle School: Courtney Van Buren, Jorge Flores.