Ki Ventura, a fourth grader from Waldo Pafford Elementary School has won a writing contest sponsored by Cinnamon Bear Stores for military children and their families to win a trip to New York City.

A panel of judges consisting of the Cinnamon Bears leadership team, principal and vice principal at a local school and one respected English teacher selected Ki from among more than 50 entrants to win the two-day, one-night trip to New York City, $500 spending money and tickets to The Lion King musical.

The ‘Red, Write and Thank You Christmas Contest’ was open to children ages 6 to 12 who have a family member who will be deployed during the holiday season.

The children’s hand-written essays were submitted on one of the following topics: “I’m proud of my parent, grandparent, sibling because…”; “I would like to win this NY Christmas Trip because…”; “Christmas in the USA is special to me because…”.

“All of the contest entries we received were ‘wows,’ and it was increasingly difficult to choose a winner, which is why we formed the panel,” said Michael Snaid, co-owner of the Cinnamon Bear Stores. “Ki’s essay talked about his family history in the military and how he wants to honor that history. It was very moving.”

Gaby Kenard, a second grader from Savannah, placed second and received a $100 gift certificate to the Cinnamon Bear Stores. Jackson Daniel, a fifth grader from Fort Stewart, placed third and received a $50 gift certificate.

Ki and his parents will leave for New York on Dec. 10 from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.