A Look Back: Seth Poling's Award-Winning Writing in West Virginia Young Writers 1997



In 1997, the West Virginia Young Writers competition saw a remarkable entry from a 3rd-grade student named Seth Poling. Seth's submission was a heartwarming piece about his beloved great-grandfather, Mox Anderegg, who he described as a kind, positive, and loving presence in his life; despite his great-grandfather's illness and the loss of his wife, Mary Anderegg, Seth's great-grandfather remained a source of strength and joy for the entire family. Let's look at Seth Poling's winning entry and celebrate the power of intergenerational love and support.


"I would like to write about my grandpa. My grandpa is nice and lonly. He always has a positive adotud! I love him to. As a friend and someone that I can talk to about my problems. He loves it when I come to talk to him. He tries to help me study for tests at school. When I go to the store with my mom he says get me milk, beans, icecream, and icecream cones. When my mom and I come back. He say's to me that I am strong becuase I take two or more bags of food. He is sick so a gie comes and helps him to move around. I play with a balloon for ten mintes. Then he gets tired. So I play with it. He says to me when I come up to his house in the sumer. Go get a icecream cone to eat. So I get him one and me one. We talk for hours and play, games, and he helps me fix my bike some times. He wife died to. He mises her. I do to. My hole faimly does. That does not stop him from having fun, and loving me. At christmas my relatives come to visit. He loves to see kides and when he gets presents he tries to get them. One year he went and cut out all of the bottoms of the presents. If they wernt his he did not care. I got most of my ornest from him. I wrote about him becuase you can tell. I love him and I look up to him. I like to see him and he does to."


Seth Poling '97

 
Seth Poling's 1997 submission to the West Virginia Young Writers competition is a beautiful reminder of the impact grandparents could have on a child's life. Through his heartfelt writing, Seth demonstrated deep love and admiration for his grandfather Mox, who remained a constant source of support and encouragement for him. Seth's grandfather may have been lonely and facing his struggles, but his positive attitude and love for his family never wavered. As we reflect on this heartwarming piece, let's celebrate the strength and resilience of intergenerational bonds and the power of love to transcend all obstacles.
 
 



 

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