Merlin has been a part of my life for more than 20 years. Though he may be but a mythical being to some, and a great character in an epic story for many more, after 12 books devoted to his life and the telling of his story, he is truly much more than that for me. He has grown into a friend, an intimate, and a significant and meaningful part of my life that I have come to relate to on a near-daily basis.
Darkness, despair, anger, destruction—the images of these things feature daily in our media. No matter where we look, we’re met with images that leave us questioning. We’re left feeling hopeless, without options or solutions to the things that plague us.
Congratulations to the 2018 Barron Prize winners! This national award is meant to highlight the idea that every single one of us can find great qualities in ourselves.
T. A. Barron blogs about the Summer Sparks program, with activity ideas, summer printables, and introduces guest bloggers.
Each of us has that power. Even if we don’t remember that, it’s true. Our daily choices matter; our actions make a difference.
Introducing the outstanding winners of the 2017 Barron Prize.
If you folks like a good story, as I do – then try this: Think of your life as a story.
A Story You Create Yourself
My own story is one with an especially bizarre plot: lots of drama, excitement, struggle, surprise, and comedy. Growing up in Colorado, I always dreamed of becoming a writer. To live in a mountain cabin, writing books. My first novel had a terrific reception – rejected everywhere (32 times… but who’s counting?). Rejections hurt —but at least one was very personal: “Dear Sir/Madam”, with “Sir” circled.
Nature and young people are my most powerful sources of inspiration. Both share that wondrous ability to transform—both as individuals and as forces affecting the wider world. When I’m hiking on the Mesa Trail above Chatauqua or traversing the western slope of Colorado, I’ve found that nature is a wonderful friend, brilliant teacher, powerful healer and true inspiration. And young people, to my delight, can play all those roles, as well.
The Barron Prize is about celebrating some of those real heroes in our communities: young people with deeply valuable inner qualities such as compassion, perseverance, and humility, whose work to improve their communities can inspire others.
Each year, our selection committee includes youth and young adults who, once upon a time, submitted their own applications, and who now offer their expertise to choose a new crop of inspiring winners and honorees. These young adults know first-hand the level of work and dedication it takes to build and maintain the extraordinary projects submitted each year, and are uniquely qualified to help continue the legacy of the Barron Prize.
