Aubrie Cameron

MASSENA – An organization called Comcenter recently sponsored an essay contest called Christ is Alive for students in grades 5 and 6. Students were asked to write about a time in their lives when they felt particularly close to Jesus, or a person who acts as Jesus in their lives. Only one essay from each grade could be submitted to the judges.

Trinity Catholic School in Massena recently received notification that submission written by Aubrie Cameron, is a grade 6 winner. She was awarded a $100 check from the organization. Michele Bombard (religion/ELA teacher) was also given a check, as was Trinity Catholic School.

The school is equally proud of a 5th grade essay submission written by 5th grader Nevada King-Borsellino about her grandmother, and Trinity science teacher Ann Borsellino.

Aubrie’s essay reads:

I remember a special time that Jesus was with me. This special time was when my sister was in the hospital for a surgery. My sister has had spina bifida since she was born. Spina bifida is a condition where the spine is crooked and sometimes it causes some parts in your body to stop working.

My sister needed a wheelchair because she is unable to walk. She can talk but she talks a little differently because of the way her spine bends.

Last spring my sister needed a serious surgery. This surgery would make her back a little stronger and would make her sit upright. Everyone in my family was very nervous. We knew that it might not work to fix the problem. We also knew that, as with any surgery, the person under anesthesia might not wake up. This was the time I felt Jesus with me because I felt sad and alone. I was trying to be positive, but I could not help but think something could happen. 

If something bad did happen, then I would really be alone because she shares a room with me, and I would be sleeping by myself and would lose my best friend.

That is when I began to pray. I asked Jesus for protection over my sister, and to protect me until she got back. This is when I felt him. I was having a rough time going to sleep without her there, and I was worried, but the night of the surgery, I heard this little voice. The little voice was telling me everything would be all right. And I would no longer be alone. That one night I finally fell asleep feeling safe. My sister came home the next day, with a present because it was my birthday, and I loved the present and I love her just the way she is.