Pupil’s Wish Is a Winner

A local fifth-grader’s good karma paid off Wednesday when he won first prize at a Thanksgiving essay contest sponsored by Mimi’s Cafe.

Ryan Ross-Valencia of Roch Courreges Elementary School competed against more than 2,500 contestants to win the $1,000 U.S. savings bond. His essay was about an angel who could feed the poor during the holidays.

The “Write Stuff” writing contest drew 16 finalists from around the Southland to Mimi’s Cafe in Newport Beach, where the winners were announced.

The topic of the essay was “My Thanksgiving Wish.”

Although some of the finalists’ wishes included landing a good job and having a plush Thanksgiving dinner for their family, Ryan’s humble desire to help those in need is indicative of the youngster’s personality, his family said.

Ryan’s parents said their son is extremely socially conscious and even chides them for wasting water by letting the faucet run too long.

Still, “I was amazed at the level of his essay,” Ryan’s father, Garry Ross-Valencia, said. “It was written from such a creative and selfless point of view.”

For his part, Ryan reacted to the prize with characteristic modesty.

“I feel good; I’m excited,” the 11-year-old said shyly.

Mimi’s Cafe has sponsored the contest for the last six years, according to the restaurant’s public relations official, Frank Groff.

“This is part of the cafe’s dedication to helping public schools and education,” Groff said.

Wednesday’s awards ceremony drew a dining hall full of proud parents and students.

All 16 finalists read their essays to the crowd before the winners were announced.

Two other students were awarded $250 savings bonds.

Another Fountain Valley student, second-grader Colin Nieselman, was one of the finalists.

Also honoring Ryan, Mimi’s Cafe will--in his name--pay for Christmas dinner at St. Joseph’s Church in Santa Ana.

The church offers dinners to the homeless and poor during the holiday season.

Garry Ross-Valencia said his whole family would be there to help serve the meals.

Andrew Wainer can be reached at (714) 965-7172, Ext. 15.