Student Spotlight: Caleb Edwin

When Colonial Middle School eighth grader Caleb Edwin sat down to write about his grandfather’s battle with cancer for an essay contest, he wanted to reach out to help others who were going through experiences like his. 

“I really enjoyed recalling all the memories that I had with my Pop-pop while I was writing the essay,” said Caleb. “It really took me back to those days.” 

Caleb wrote about how his family grew closer and made memories with his grandfather in the last few months of his life. The essay, titled Making The Best Of Every Day, won second place in the 2023 Ben Strauss Youth Program Middle School Teen Essay Contest through the Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia. The piece also earned Caleb $200 and an invitation to an awards ceremony.

“What was really exciting about the ceremony was getting called up in front of everybody there and receiving the certificate,” said Caleb. “I don’t really know what I’m going to do with the money, yet. I have some ideas, but I don’t want to waste it.”

While this was the first essay he’d written for a contest, Caleb credits his teachers for instilling a love of writing in him. 

“Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Gaetano, and Miss Vandevander all helped me be a better writer,” he said. “The better I got, the more I enjoyed writing!”

 Click here to read Caleb’s essay.