In Mr. Jansma's 5th grade Reading class, as the students read short stories or books together, they were given daily topic ideas which coincided with the reading material, to write about. There were a total of five subject ideas to choose from. As Sam's completed assignments began to trickle home from school towards the end of the year, I discovered things about my son's heart and mind, things I had not really pondered or taken notice of until seeing his thoughts and ideas on paper. I decided to share some of them here, with all of you, that each of you might get a glimpse of the heart , mind and soul that is Sam Wessels. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did!
I Am Sam
I have autism,
but autism doesn't have me.
Autism tries to be the boss,
but I boss it back.
I help others be the boss of their autism
and others sometimes help me.
I have autism, but autism doesn't have me!
I am not autism. Autism is not me.
I am Sam. I am.
By Sam Wessels
The following are examples of Sam's 5th Grade Daily Writing assignments.
Enjoy the show!!
For extra credit in Mrs. Devitt's English class, Central Lyon's 6th graders were asked to write a 300 to 400 word essay about patriotism, to be submitted to the Patriot's Pen competition. The Patriot's Pen program is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial school or home study program in the United States and its territories. Conducted nationwide, this VFW sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. The essay must be a contestant’s original work and a product of the contestant’s own thinking. A teacher, counselor or parent may check the essay for punctuation, grammar and/or spelling, but the content must remain the contestant's. The theme for 2013-2014 was: “What Patriotism Means to Me." The following is Sam's.
We may have a politician in the making........
We may have a politician in the making........
Patriot's Pen
What Patriotism Means to Me.
Patriots are heroes who can be looked up to. They risk their lives and sometimes even face death for America, their home, and its citizens. They fight to protect our laws, our rights, our families and our way of life. They most likely don't even know most of the people they protect. They protect us because they believe in America and our freedom.
Patriotism is the reason our country is going strong, even though it seems like it is closer to falling apart now more than ever. Maybe many kids today don't realize how evil wars can be, but for our country and our way of life, it is worth it. Think about how many people risk their lives just for us. Military men and women aren't the only ones. Police, fire and rescue men and women are patriots too.They keep people safe because they take pride in their work and a job well done, a job worth doing. They believe in America and the American way of life. Think about how brave they are just to sign up. They know about the dangers that they may one day have to face to help others and to keep us safe. Sure, there are people who do bad things, but don't worry because the patriots will protect you. Police officers, fire fighters, doctors and nurses, they will all be there for you.
If you think about it, almost everyone in America is a patriot. From politicians to CEO's, bankers, store owners, teachers, plumbers, carpenters, construction workers, farmers and on and on, most everyone here is a patriot. Getting a job, earning a living and taking care of your family is helping to boost the economy, making it and America stronger. Being responsible and doing the right thing makes everyday people patriots.
While you are free to live your dream, think of the heroes who are out there, the good guys. They are the ones who fought to give you your freedom and also those who are still protecting it today. They believe in America and the American way of life. Remember, you can be a hero too!
On January 3, 2014, we were notified by phone that Sam had been chosen as the winner of Patriot's Pen for our VFW's District, District 8. On Saturday, January 18, the day before Sam turned twelve, we traveled to Spirit Lake, Iowa, where Sam recited his essay and then received his notable award award. Sam was presented the award at the John W. Kidd, Post 4514 in Spirit Lake by Ruth Hoferman, chairperson of the Ladies Auxiliary. They are pictured here together as Sam accepts his award.
The members of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars live by the motto, “Honor the dead by helping the living.” We set out to serve the veterans of this country and our communities as a testament to the sacrifices and commitment of every man and woman who has served in uniform. _
The members of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars live by the motto, “Honor the dead by helping the living.” We set out to serve the veterans of this country and our communities as a testament to the sacrifices and commitment of every man and woman who has served in uniform. _
Veterans of Foreign Wars
& Ladies Auxiliary
& Ladies Auxiliary
"Be a leader to others to make the world a better place." ~Sam Wessels~
If you are interested in helping to fund Sam in his efforts to effect change for individuals with autism and those who love and care fro them, please follow this link: http://www.gofundme.com/73ysbg
Please don't forget to "like" and share Sam's pages as way of letting him know that you were here and how much you care!
Thank you for visiting Something for Sam!!
Please don't forget to "like" and share Sam's pages as way of letting him know that you were here and how much you care!
Thank you for visiting Something for Sam!!