Lake Region—Congratulations to Carmay Claiborn, a Peterson-Warren Academy (PWA) fourth-grader. She was one of ten runners-up in the Detroit News, “Yak’s Corner,” McDonald’s-Williams Sisters Essay Contest.

Carmay’s essay was titled, “How Venus and Serena Inspired My Life.” As runner-up, Carmay was invited to Wayne State University on Thursday, November 18, 2004, to attend a special lecture by the famous tennis athletes and sisters, Venus and Serena. They spoke about their life and shared some of the reasons for their many success stories.

One interesting fact they stressed was the importance of having a good diet. The sisters stated that their diet consisted of fish, chicken, fresh fruits, and vegetables. They have never consumed pork or beef. They also stressed the importance of plenty of water and plenty of nightly rest.

This is not the first time Carmay has won attention for her literary work. She also placed in the Alpha Phi Beta Society essay contest for her creative story called “My Cat.”

Besides attending Venus’ and Serena’s lecture, Carmay also had the opportunity to ask questions about their personal trials and triumphs. In addition, Carmay received an autographed program from the sisters and her name was published in the Detroit News.

Carmay, age nine, has attended Peterson-Warren since kindergarten. She is the daughter of Cerano and Cheryl Claiborne of Inkster, Mich., where they attend the Sharon Church.

Juanita Martin, Peterson-Warren Academy principal