[StBernard] Arabi Elementary student wins holiday essay writing contest sponsored by State Senator J.P. Morrell

[Westley Annis]

Arabi Elementary student wins holiday essay writing contest sponsored by
State Senator J.P. Morrell
Print Barry Lemoine By Barry Lemoine 
on January 30, 2014 at 6:58 AM, updated January 30, 2014 at 6:59 AM

Even though Christmas has come and gone, there was still a true holiday
feeling at Arabi Elementary recently when State Sen. J.P. Morrell of
District 3 visited the campus. Morrell was on hand to recognize one of the
winners of a holiday essay writing contest he sponsored for students in
Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard parishes. 

The challenge was for students to describe their favorite holiday
traditions, experiences and memories. Hundreds of students from across the
area submitted essays, and Arabi fourth grade student Chobie Chan was
recognized as one of only two winners for this district.

In addition to being recognized at a school-wide assembly in front of family
and friends, Chobie also received something else from the senator - a brand
new Kindle Fire.

Morrell said he was impressed with Chobie's writing ability.

"This great young writer from St. Bernard Parish beat out hundreds of
students with her writing," he said.

"This is what you get when you do exemplary and hard work, and I am proud to
present Chobie Chan with this Kindle HD. "

Chobie's essay was a glimpse into a typical family, holiday celebration.

She wrorw, "The things I always do on Christmas are put up the Christmas
tree and my sister Shen puts up the star. The other thing I do on Christmas
is put on a holiday Christmas movie and I help my mom make hot coco. Then my
dad, sister, mom, and I watch the movie. When we watch the movie, we drink
our hot coco."

Chobie explained her family also has another tradition - this one a bit more
modern.

"The last thing my sister, dad, mom, and I do on the day before Christmas is
my dad downloads a Santa tracker, and we see where Santa is heading."

Lisa Pohlmann, Chobie's teacher at Arabi elementary, said her student was
excited to be selected.

"She had no idea she had won," Pohlmann said.

But Pohlmann said Chobie was deserving of the recognition.

"She is a sweet, creative, little girl who always goes the extra mile in
everything that she does. She is always willing to help me and her
classmates. We're all very proud of her."

Morrell said he was honored to meet Chobie, and very impressed with the
student assembly.

"I am so excited to be here with you today. I thank you for being so
attentive. This is the quietest school I've ever seen. I'm going to have to
come back."