Jessica Leads the Pledge

Jessica was chosen by the principal of her elementary school to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the Westland City Council meeting (a neighboring city). We were very honored that she was chosen to represent her school.

At the beginning of the meeting on Monday, the council introduced Jessica and she eagerly came up to the front and led the pledge. Afterwards, one of the Westland City councilmen came down and read an auto-biography that Jessica wrote about herself while she proudly stood next to him, listening and beaming. Then the principal and I were invited to come up and say a few words about Jessica. I was very impressed by what the Ms. Koulouberis, her principal, said about her.

She started out by telling everyone that she chose Jessica out of all the children in her school to lead the pledge because she's always been such a shining student at Walker-Winter Elementary. She also said that she works hard, is kind to everyone, is very responsible, and a highly-regarded student by all her teachers. She also told a story about one of Jessica's classmates that was hit by a car and broke both her legs and had to spend 4 months in a wheelchair. She said that since Jessica is such a reliable student, she was asked and she happily agreed to push around her friend wherever she needed to go each and every day for those 4 months. She would meet her at the curb before school and help her to class, and also take her to her car after school. The principal was very impressed with her willingness and cheerful attitude while being so helpful to her teacher and her friend. It was such a sweet tribute. When it was my turn, I told everyone that Jessica is a lovely young lady who I am very proud to have as a daughter. Jessica was beaming when it was over. She loved it. On the way home she said, "That was so great! I'm glad I was chosen."

I took a picture of her with the certificate that she was given -- see picture below. The meeting will air sometime this month on our cable channel. We'll have to tape it. CLICK HERE to see a picture of her on the Westland City website.


Here is Jessica's Auto-Biography:

"My name is Jessica Dyal. I’m nine years old and in the fourth grade at Walker-Winter Elementary School. My teacher right now is Ms. Brohl. I’ve been going to this school since I was in kindergarten, so it’s been 5 years now. I love my school and all the teachers I’ve had there.

In my family I have a mom and dad and I am the second child of four children. I have no sisters but three brothers named Spencer, Alexander, and Logan. Spencer is my oldest brother and goes to Stevenson Middle School. Alex is in the first grade and rides the bus with me to Walker-Winter every day. Next year, my youngest brother Logan will ride with us too when he goes to kindergarten.

I was born in Bryan, Texas, but my family moved to Michigan when I was only two years old so I don’t remember Texas very well. Both sets of my grandparents and many of my aunts, uncles and cousins still live there so I visit when I can.

I’ve been a student at Walker-Winter for almost five years. I’m really good at Writing and like to write stories and poems. Writing, music and gym are my favorite subjects.

When I grow up I would like to be an Actor or have a job where I can work with animals. After school and on the weekends, I like to draw, write, color, play with my friends, and jump on my trampoline. I also like to swim and play the piano. I’ve been taking piano lessons for 2 years now and plan to keep taking lessons until I can play as well as my dad. I also enjoy singing, listening to music, and I love to travel with my family, especially to my favorite place – Walt Disney World. I’ve been there 4 times. I am also very involved in my church.

One of my talents is making new friends. I like to be with my friends and I like making new ones. I try hard to be a good example to others.

I’m proud to represent my School. I’m glad to be a student at Walker-Winter because it has helped me to learn and develop my talents."