This piece was written in response to the prompt, “Gift: Write about something you cherish.” Cole Banks wrote this about his family in the last school year as a fourth-grader at Tunbridge Central School. Cole says his parents like to tell stories about their families, and this story is about his mother’s family. “I’m very proud of them,” he says.
The Power of Family
By Cole Banks
Grade Four, Tunbridge Central School
The greatest gift that I have in my life is my family.
I love my life because it has so many good things in it.
I have a very big and nice family. I am very proud of my ancestors, too.
My grandfather was one of the first African Americans to integrate the Marine Corps. His name was Ernest Smith Jr.
Ernest’s brother was a middle-weight boxing champion of the world. His name was Harry Smith.
I have had a lot of fun with my cousins in the past and I definitely will in the future.
