Mayor Howard Botts announced Sawyer Anderson, Tyler Miller and Adrianna Moroz as the winners in the city’s “What Black Diamond Means to Me” essay contest.

Botts made the announcement at the City Council’s Thursday meeting. The contest winners were officially announced the last day of classes at Black Diamond Elementary School June 22.

One winner was selected from entries in three areas: kindergarten to first grade; second and third grade; and fourth and fifth grade.

City Administrator Gwendolyn Voelpel went through the hundreds of essays and narrowed the field for the city’s Birthday Committee to select the winners.

Botts said they were all very close and it was a difficult decision.

The winners received a $25 gift certificate to Baker Street Books and a certificate to ride aboard a Black Diamond fire truck.

The contest was one of many events planned as the city celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Sawyer Anderson

First grade

What Black Diamond means to me. The police and fire fighters keep us safe. The school is great. I love Black Diamond!

Tyler Miller

Second grade

It is the 50th birthday of Black Diamond! I have lived here all my life. It is home sweet home. It is a neat town with a beautiful view and nice people. I love living here.

There are many neat things in Black Diamond like the beautiful view of Mt. Rainier. When you drive to Black Diamond the view opens up with a beautiful mountain looking down at you. It’s better on a sunny day because the snow shines on you and warms your face up. I can look at it all day long.

The nice people make Black Diamond a beautiful place. At my church we passed out baskets and put money in them and they shipped it to the poor people.

The Labor Day parade for us, too. I enjoy seeing the firemen, police officers and the military. Afterwards every body gathers around the field and has races, games, and everybody eats and eats and eats until they explode! Everybody has a good time. The people are great here.

The most important thing in Black Diamond is my home. I live in Morgan Creek. It’s a safe neighborhood and not crowded. It is a great place to go trick-or-treating. I’m glad God blesses our home to make it special to me.

Now let me tell you this Black Diamond, it has been 50 years now, but you will always be here Happy birthday Black Diamond!

Adrianna Moroz

Fifth grade

Black Diamond is a small town, that makes me feel safe. Black Diamond has a lot of warm feelings. I feel loved in Black Diamond, we children have a right to speak here.

And I feel fortunate here. We have two wonderful bakeries, several great restaurants, a great little school and a fabulous library.

Our city has that nice old style feel, it makes you feel like you’re at home.

Black Diamond is fun and exciting. With the new skate park, with a basketball and tennis court next to it. It gives me a place to hang out with my family and friends, and have a great time.

Black Diamond is the best town I’ve lived in and I feel grateful and happy here.