Did Jill win the Student Council Election?

Our daughter Jill got up her courage and ran for Vice President of her middle school's student council.

This wasn't an easy thing to do. There were seven other candidates, so the chances of winning weren't great.

On top of that she had to give a speech about why she would be a good Vice President. The speech had to be given in front of a lot of kids and teachers.

We thought she would make a great officer. She had been in student council in sixth grade and now in seventh. She was one of the kids who did the morning annoucements over the loud speakers. She was involved in the school's Hurricane Katrina efforts, so much so that she was one of four students who was invited to a "thank-you" speech by former President Clinton.

She had written her speech, getting it just right. She practiced and practiced until she had it just right. And when she gave the actual speech they told her to hurry because they were running out of time. But she stood up there and gave it her best.

So we found out today. Did Jill become Vice President? Did she win?

No and Yes. She didn't become Vice President. Someone else did.

But she won.

See, it's not always about winning and losing. People who get up there and give it their best - adults and kids - are winners no matter what the final results are.

Everytime you give it your best, you get a little braver. You learn something new. Everytime you take a chance, you become more.

And someone is watching you, saying, "if she can do it, so can I."

So Jill is not the Vice Presdient. But she's still a CHAMPION.

On this Thanksgiving, be thankful for whatever good things are happening in your life. Be grateful for the chances you get in life. We all have many opportunities to grow and become more everyday.

And go out and take your chances. Even if you don't win, you win!

Have a Great Thanksgiving,
Larry and Diane