A fifth grader at Homeville Elementary School in West Mifflin recently won $5,000 in an essay competition sponsored by Nickelodeon - “…which must be spent on improving play activities at her school.” Her essay topic? The importance of play.

Now, while you might be thinking: Hah? I say this is an important opportunity to remind us how useful essay writing skills really are. If a fifth grader can win $5,000, imagine how much a 17-year old can win. Of course, I’m simplifying things a lot, but I’m sure you get my point.