THE BEST DAY EVER - by Grace Tran

                "Dear Mrs. Tran and Mr. Tran, I’m writing to inform you that your daughter, Grace Tran, has won the McDonald’s essay contest. Please come to the award ceremony on February second to collect her reward". After I read this letter, my heart leaped out.

                Two weeks later, I found myself standing on the stage at the Yung Wing Elementary School, reading my essay to a bunch of people. Aunt Aimy, Coach Jen, parents, and Grandma came to cheer me on at the award ceremony. I finished my essay with a grin and walked off the stage.

                But first, I had to get there early to meet the judges. When the ceremony started, there was this judge with a purple mohawk. Aunt Aimy arrived with a basket of gifts for me and a congratulation balloon. Inside was a tie, a monkey candle, a cup with hearts on it, a little pack of cards, and a teddy bear.

After the ceremony, each contestant was presented with a goody bag. In it was a case with a pen and calculator. I also got a calendar, a notepad with a cool cover, a flash drive, and two balloons. Moreover, I received five two-dollar gift cards for McDonald’s and a $250 check.

                Even Ronald McDonald came!!! He picked a random boy and tried to draw him on a board. The cool thing was that the eyes of the drawing on the board actually moved.

Then, Ronald McDonald said, "Well, the next thing you know you're going to tell me it talks." Suddenly, the picture opened its mouth and actually started talking!!!

                The best part was when Ronald McDonald started erasing the picture. He was like, "One, two, three."

The picture said, "Four."

Those two kept arguing about counting. It was, "HEE-larious." Finally RM erased the picture, but then it talked again so he put the board back stage. As I said before, it was "HEE-larious!!!"

                After the ceremony, I went to a restaurant and celebrated. I had my favorite dishes - a lot of them! I felt really good - compliments, gifts, and prizes.

When I think back, I remembered spending hours each day revising my essay. I thought it was impossible for me to win but, WOW! I still can't believe I won! I learned that it was not only important to try hard but also to do your best. Over 300 students entered the contest and only 10 won. My advice for contests like these: try hard and try your best!