Roberts wins diamond for mom

By Linda Braden Albert
of The Daily Times Staff

A homework assignment has resulted in a diamond ring for a Friendsville fifth-grader's mother.

Tosha Roberts wrote an essay on "My mother deserves a diamond ring because ..." and was chosen as the winner in the eighth annual contest sponsored by Bristol Bragg Jewelers, Maryville. The winning essay was chosen May 3 at the store as the finalists and their parents watched in high anticipation. Tosha's mother, Sheri Burchfield, shed a few tears as Tosha read her essay aloud.

"She has worked so hard to take care of my siblings and I," Tosha wrote, referring to her brother, age 5, and sisters, ages 3 and 10. "I don't have any idea how she deals with us."

Tosha described her mother as caring more about others than herself, helping Tosha with her chores so she won't get behind and staying up with the children when they are sick. She is truthful and considerate.

"I think my mother deserves a diamond ring because she is more than a diamond, she is my mother."

Connie Berry, public relations coordinator with Bristol Bragg Jewelers, said the diamond ring retails for $799.

Over 400 fourth- and fifth-graders in Blount County, Maryville and Alcoa schools participated in the contest. The teachers narrowed down the entries to two per classroom, and the winner was drawn at random from 55 finalists.

"A panel of judges used to decide on the best essay but it's impossible to pick just one," Berry said. "All of them are good, equally so." That is why a drawing for the winner is now held.

Berry said the staff members at Bristol Bragg Jewelers enjoy the contest as much as the children do.

"Some of the essays are quite emotional," she said.

Tosha's teacher at Friendsville Elementary School also won a prize, a $150 gift certificate.

Natieya Revels, an Alcoa Elementary School student, won second place in the contest. She received a $200 gift certificate. Erin Britton, also a student at Alcoa Elementary, won a $100 gift certificate for third place.

The finalists' essays may be viewed at the Bristol Bragg Jewelers' Web site, www.bristolbragg.com.