The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Savannah partnered with Mayor Van Johnson and the City of Savannah to celebrate Savannah 912 Day this year on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The citywide celebration was intended as way to unite residents, businesses, and community organizations in a show of “Savannah pride”.

Part of that celebration included an essay competition for local school students using the prompt “Tell us why you love Savannah and the 912 area!  The winners were announced at the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on September 12, 2024 at the Kehoe Iron Works Building. 

Two winners were named – one each for the 4^th and 5^th grade levels.

Fourth grader Kirah Johnson of Pulaski K-8 was named the winner for her grade level.  Her essay reads:

“Welcome to the 912! I love Savannah because of what it offers a kid like me. Savannah has so much for me to do.

There are many beautiful areas with so many things to explore.

One year for my birthday, I went on a dolphin cruise on Tybee Island. The captain played music, and it turned into the best celebration. While on the boat, we saw dolphins and the Cockspur lighthouse. It was great being with my family and learning at the same time.

Savannah has beautiful trees and views everywhere. I went to Forsyth Park with my mom one day and enjoyed a picnic together. We also went to the playground, where I met different people.

One time, I rode the ferry over the Savannah River after a cheer competition. I cheer with Windsor Knights Elite, and we all took the ferry to get back to our cars. I got to see some really cool areas downtown. The breeze was so nice over the water. It was cool to do something that I love in Savannah.

Savannah has so much more, and I can’t wait to see it. It’s my home, and all the fun places make it special to me.”

Fifth Grader Charleigh Poss, of Savannah Classical Academy, was named the winner for her grade level.  Her essay reads”

“Have you ever been to Savannah? Well, when I first got here, I thought I would need my passport to get in. It’s like nothing I’d ever experienced. My mom talked about how much she loved it and wanted to move back. This year it happened, we relocated to Savannah.  

Savannah is the most breath-taking place. With its moss covered trees - it feels like a tunnel, like I’m entering my own secret passageway. Everywhere you look you will find flowers in bloom, lush green grass, and massive trees. Walking around Savannah feels like I’m in a fairytale.  

Savannah has many historical places, like the SCAD building and the Mercer House. Every building has a story behind it. You can learn about the SCAD building at the “SCAD Story”. Like so many historic buildings, The Mercer House also has interesting facts. Cool stories aren’t all, there are probably more ghost stories than normal history.

The people in Savannah are very kind! When walking around City Market on my 10th birthday, we discovered a shop that sold exotic snacks. I was admiring a lollipop when the lady behind the counter said, “Happy Birthday!” and handed me the lollipop. This is just one act of kindness that has been shown to me in Savannah, the people are the sweetest!”  

After writing this essay I discovered that Savannah is 10 times better than any fairytale... and I didn't need my passport. With breathtaking nature, extraordinary architecture, and charming people it’s the world's greatest city.”

The winners were chosen by a committee of educators and Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce volunteers.  In addition to a gift card, each received a variety of prizes, and Mayor Van Johnson will visit school to have lunch with the winner.