First race

 The first race

Third grade, Monticello elementary, I was the new kid recently moved from Sopchoppy. Making friends was challenging for this shy blond. Recess was a tough time trying to find a group to fit in with. Often I would skip and remain in class drawing with Wayne Lassiter from Lamont. Then one day at PE the coach said on field day there would be a third grade wide foot race.

I had never ran a race, especially not one with all three third grade classes combined. It was assumed from all, that last years second grade winner, Jimmy Haynes, would repeat. The day came and all the girls and boys spread out along the PE room wall. On the whistle we were to run downhill to the fence by the road, touch it and return. The whistle blew and the grass was chewed as we made our way down. I kept my eye on Jimmy and watched as he was first to touch the fence. I trailed near and at about the half way back point, he faded, perhaps starting too fast, and I picked up speed, the first to touch the wall. Fastest third grader. From then on it wasn't difficult to find friends at recess. Everyone wanted me in their group, on their team. Yet despite the fame, I still preferred to draw motorcycles and airplanes with Wayne.