ESSAY WINNER
Abby Stone
WILMINGTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 10TH GRADE
AZALEA FEEL
The fragrances of vibrant, blooming azaleas and mouth-watering
street food intermingle in the air, tempting all
who stroll by. An alluring array of artwork captivates
passersby, bright hues impossible to be skipped over. Crowds
wander through the annual street fair in droves, enticed by
the eye-catching booths before them. The buzz in the air
only grows stronger and stronger as the time for the parade
comes. Citizens pack themselves like sardines to get a look
at the festive floats. Azalea Belles wave and smile at the
onlookers, their dresses swaying in the breeze. Thousands
of people gather together for the same cause: to celebrate
the scenic Southern state of North Carolina, her mountains
and beaches unrivaled. Communities from all across the
Tar Heel State swell with pride, seeing the diversity of
talent and culture within their beloved home.
There is no state which quite matches
the homey, welcoming feeling of
Southern hospitality as this one.
As the azalea flowers blossom and grow
each year, so does this state. The azalea
is known for its ability to survive, even
when conditions are rough. Just as
the flower, North Carolina, too, is
resilient, determined, and unbreakable.
She will never fall.
Abby Stone is an 10th-grade honor student from Wilmington Christian
Academy. Her essay was inspired by her 5th-grade self who was selected
to ride on a float in the Azalea Festival Parade. She is a self-taught
ukulele artist, painter, violin player and singer in her school choir.
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WBM
ALLISON POTTER
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com