The Southern Ute Indian Tribe invited students to participate in the 8th Annual Leonard C. Burch Art and Literacy Contest. Leonard C. Burch was the Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for more than 32 years. Under his leadership, the Southern Ute Tribe became a major economic force in La Plata County and in Indian Country. The Southern Ute Tribal Council passed a resolution in 1996 to declare Dec. 10 of every year as Leonard C. Burch Day. The 8th Annual Leonard C. Burch Art and Literacy Contest honored Leonard C. Burch and his life. The theme of this year’s contest is, “Family,” with all entries pertaining to this theme.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: FIRST PLACE

Moriah Ashley – Ignacio Middle School

“I AM FROM”

By Moriah Ashley

I am from a Lowrey Piano passed down by my Great Grandma I am from the shelf of classic tales from the 1800s on

I am from Friday night movies on our comfy family couch

I’m from delicious, homemade meals that my mother makes for me I’m from a bouncy bed and fuzzy blankets that keep me warm

I am from swinging on a dreamcatcher swing Over the ditch, from a weeping willow tree

I am from flowerbeds with vegetables and bulbs I am from hot summer days, lazing in the shade

Rocking on the hammock hung from a willow tree I am from wild times on the trampoline

I am from my parents, Nathan and Rachel I am from my sisters Zoey and Hadassah

I’m from onery brothers, Judah and Solomon I am from Long trips to Denver, visiting

My grandma Char and Grandpa Will

I’m from seven cousins on my mom’s side And seven cousins on my dad’s

I am from Loving Aunts and Uncles to Trixie my wild dog She makes me say “Egads!”

I’m from meatballs at each Bliss family gathering To the prayer song that we sing

I’m from raspberries in cream Before Great Grandma Judy died

I am from camping in the mountains each Labor Day I am from family traditions that never go away

I’m from Grama calling me pumpkin to my nickname Riah-Roo I am from my mom saying “Cool your jetsl”

I am from Bathtime when my Aunt would say “Scrub- a- dub-dub keep the water in the tub!” I am from being called for hair fixing

I can’t forget, “Come on over Rover!”

I am from goodnight prayers and “Love you Mo”

I am from memories at my old New Mexico Home

I am from the cottage by a Lake in Wisconson

I am from family up in Thornton and family in Utah And Most importantly

I am from my farm home

I am from Loving memories

I’m from cherished things in my home

I am from special parts of my yard and land I am from my family

I’m from heartfelt traditions to family sayings I’m from the places in which my heart is

The things that make me, me

MIDDLE SCHOOL: SECOND PLACE

Addison Baker – Ignacio Middle School

“MY LIFE”

By Addison Baker

My life starts from my brother and cousin playing just dance

To me sitting on my dad’s back while he was doing push ups

To hitting my head on the coffee table then busting it open

To going to Salt Lake City, Wyoming, Las Vegas and Denver

To seeing beautiful red, yellow, and green leaves in the fall

My little brother dipping his bananas into ranch

To my cousin getting kicked in the head by a calf

Seeing milk come out of my friends nose,

My dad trying to dance,

Cold winter days playing in the snow, making tunnels and snow getting all in my boots

Moving into a bigger and better home,

Almost falling off a raft at camp

And going to my first dance

Getting my puppy named Grace

And going to a rockies game for the first time

Getting sick a lot when I was younger, getting my food brought to me on the couch and bed

Cooking burnt pancakes and really good scrambled eggs

I’m from 12 really good birthdays to spending time with friends and family

Hanging out at football games and basketball games to going to the movies with friends.

I’m going to the hot springs every year for 4th of July to now doing work with friends that support me and care for me and respect me so I say thank you to all the people that made me laugh and still make me laugh.

I’m from playing volleyball and basketball to losing and winning games then going to McDonalds after and buying food for Kimber.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: THIRD PLACE

Madison Egger – Ignacio Middle School

“FAMILY MOMENTS”

By Maddison Egger

I’m from having sleep overs

With my cousins on the trampoline

I’m from jamming out with my sisters,

I’m from partying at the lake with my family,

I’m from going hunting in the mountain and fresh air

I’m from the beautiful lakes around us,

I’m from the howling coyotes to the Aspen trees

In fall, I’m from the flowers in the spring, I’m  from smell of nature

I’m from getting a Christmas Tree,

I’m from Bonyaucalda with the Italian family,

I’m from taking road trips with my sisters and dad

I’m from the lemon chicken pasta

My mom makes, I’m from the smoked

Pulled pork Uncle Travis makes, I’m from the

Homemade noodles my grandma made for Christmas Day.

I’m from Idaho to Washington

I’m from Arizona to Florida, I’m from

Oregon to North Dakota, I’m from Texas to Montana,

I’m from “Sweet home Colorado”