A promising future

111Molly’s essay was one of the 155 we received this year.

The 8- to 12-year-old participants were given the task of writing an essay in 100 words or fewer about the dreams and goals they have. That theme was in keeping with the story that accompanies the Grace Thomas doll – American Girl Doll’s 2015 Girl of the Year doll and this year’s contest prize.

Each doll in American Girl’s line comes with a book telling a story of how she successfully dealt with a challenge in her life.

Grace is described as a young girl who loves to bake with friends and invent new recipes. Then a trip to Paris challenges her to try new things — including turning her passion for baking into a business.

ABOUT OUR WINNER

Molly lives in Girard with her parents, Breen and Paula Durkin, and brother, Henry.

She is a student at Prospect Elementary School; her teacher is Lori Sinopoli.

Her interests are basketball, softball and Irish Step Dancing, for which she receives lessons at the Burke School of Dance in Youngstown. She also is a team member of the Destination Imagination program at Prospect.

Molly has three other American Girl Dolls: Molly, Emily and Katherine, her Look Like Me doll.

MOLLY'S ESSAY

My goal for the future is to make a difference by helping people who are distressed. My hope is to do that by becoming a social worker for Hospice. Currently I assist at memorial services and grief camp for Hospice of the Valley. I enjoy doing this because I get to help people. I wish to do this because my mom has inspired me. I understand that I will have to achieve good grades so I can get my college degree. And that is how I will conquer my goal to make a difference in the world.

ONLINE

To read some of the other essays the judges liked, go to www.vindy.com/american-girl.

ABOUT THE SHOW

When: March 7 and 8

Where: Antone’s Banquet Center, 8578 Market St., Boardman

Times: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. both days

Tickets: $30 per person; order by calling 330-746-8712