The Great Veggie Championship

By Audrey Poole
4th Grade, Marin County
Neil Cummins Elementary School - Linnea O'Brien, Teacher

It was a sunny summer day when I was just a small little garlic bulb, that my farmers saw an article on "The Great Veggie Contest." My growers said, "This contest is not something to resist." We were so thrilled about being in this competition that we made banners to tell our garlic-loving town to come and cheer me on. This contest was something to look forward to for my owners and me.

We lived in the town of Gilroy and boy did people love me and my fellow garlic friends. Almost everybody ate it, grew it, and some people even entered it in the competitions. My growers were the kind of people who entered their veggies in competitions.

I was oozing with glee inside, but my stomach felt like a tornado of cotton candy. This was probably something all veggies get. Well, not my enemies, Bob Broccoli, Chris Cucumber, Caleb Carrot, Allison Asparagus, Sally Spinach, Al Avocado and Beck Bean… Oh no! That's everybody! They are what people think are real veggies. Even though I'm a true vegetable, some people don't think of me and other garlic as a healthy, good-looking vegetable.

I hope the judges in this competition research the incredible bulb, otherwise known as me (even if I do say so myself!). Research is very important when judging a white vegetable against a colorful vegetable. Color in veggies is good in a way, but my fellow garlic friends and I can help in many different and magnificent ways. I can wisely help cure heart problems, cancer, coughs, and many more sicknesses. Just don't forget, after you eat me to wash your mouth out with lemon or orange to get rid of the aroma, as most people think that I have a stinky smell.

Finally, the night before the contest came! I couldn't sleep one bit. I kept waking up my good friend, Tommy the Tomato, and the next day I felt bad for him. I didn't have time to apologize to him, because I had a contest to win. When I walked into the arena where the contest was held, I got a harsh greeting from my veggie enemies. They think that I'm not healthy, not pretty, and something that shouldn't have even been invented.

Then a dog bounded up to me. I hoped it didn't come any closer. Garlic can be highly toxic to dogs and cats. If it came any nearer and ate me, I wouldn't be able to go in the contest and the dog would probably get very sick. Thankfully, it raced back to its owners and skidded to a halt.

After the dog crossed my path, I was brought over to the judges' table.

As I was being critiqued I heard laughs from the crowd, and it was hurting my feelings. The only clapping I heard was the faintest cheer ever. Nobody from my town came, so there were only three people to cheer me on. They were my two growers and Tommy the Tomato. When Bob Broccoli was being examined, I heard loud roars and applause from the crowd.

It took a long time before the results were in. I heard my name being called repeatedly, and then I realized that I had won! Bob and Bob's people looked horrified. Every other vegetable was crying, and I, for once, felt like King of the World.

Even though your beauty and abilities may not show on the outside, you can still be a winner in whatever you choose to do.