2008 Essay Contest Winner - Jamie Murray, Age 9
"Why Christmas is Special in My Hometown"

     Nine year old Jamie Murray is the winner of the essay contest "Why Christmas Is Special in My Hometown" according to the Steering Committee of the Tunkhannock Business and Professional Association. The daughter of John and Wendy Murray, of Comstock Road, Jamie wrote about Tunkhannock being a small town, but a town where everyone comes together to ring in the Christmas season. She also mentioned enjoying how people traveled long ago by riding in horse-drawn wagons. Jaime ended her essay with "I love my hometown. I love to see it decorated for the holidays, but mostly I love to see everyone so friendly and happy."
     Jamie's essay was selected from a field of five finalists by a special committee from the Tunkhannock Public Library. Other finalists included Dinah Kay Dimeolo, daughter of Dan and Vanessa Dimeolo; Ryan Kugler, son of James and Lesia Kugler; Miriam Morley, daughter of Colin and Lisa Morley; and Scott Williams, son of Scott and Amy Williams, all of Tunkhannock.
     As the contest winner, Jamie will ride into town with Santa and Mrs. Claus and willl join WBRE TV anchors Candice Kelly and Drew Speiers in lighting the Christmas Tree which kicks off the weekend event of Christmas in Our Hometown on Friday night, December 5. In addition, Jamie will read her essay at the Tunkhannock Public Library's "Hometown Christmas Show" on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, December 6 and 7.
     The contest, designed to select a local youth to help kick off Christmas in Our Hometown, was conducted by the Tunkhannock Business and Professional Association.