Forks eighth-grader Jeremiah Salinas has won the top prize, in his age division, in the 11th Annual Voices of Children Contest. This contest is for children in Washington who are being raised by a relative other than their parents.

The contest honors both the children, and the more than 37,000 relatives in Washington who are raising them. For his winning essay on what living with his grandmother has meant to him, Jeremiah won $100 and a free night at Great Wolf Lodge for four of his family. The prizes are to be presented at the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia on May 19, where Jeremiah also will get the opportunity to read his essay.

Jeremiah is excited about winning, saying “Thank you to the ‘Voices of Children Contest’ for giving me a chance to do this.”  His winning letter:I came to live with my grandma when I was a month old. I don’t remember much when I was that young so I believe everything was good. Since I have been getting older we do have our ups and our downs, mostly about school work. She wants me to do good and get a good education. I can talk about many things with her. She always listens and gives me good advice.

She is handicapped, so whenever she needs my help I will help her. We joke and laugh about a lot of things. My grandma works very hard to get me the things I want and the things I need. She spoils me in a good way. I know she will always be here for me, at the end of the day I sleep well knowing that I am safe and loved.