Magazine publishes poem by local pupil

Some things are worth the wait.

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Evans resident Holly Kendrick, 11, recently learned that a poem, My Imagination , which she wrote when she was 9 years old, was published in the April edition of the magazine Highlights for Children.

"It had been a while. We had forgotten about it," said her mother, Sharri Kendrick.

She said they learned in February that Holly's poem had been selected for publication.

"Her daddy and I thought it was real special," Kendrick said. "She's special. She's always loved to write."

According to a press release, Highlights readers send the magazine more than 35,000 submissions each year. The magazine selects works from children of all ages in many different parts of the world.

Holly, a Riverside Elementary School fifth-grader, wrote the poem at home.

"I have a little special place where I write," she said. "It's in my playroom and it's secret. It has a blanket over it."

Holly said the poem is about one of her invisible friends.

"She is a cowboy," she said. "She also lives in China."

She said she writes "whenever I'm in the mood."

Holly said she writes her poems by hearing music in her head and singing to herself.

"I do it in a rapping voice," she said.

She recently finished a poem about her stuffed teddy bear, Angel, and she also has written about her dog, Jodie.

"I'm trying to finish up one of my books. It's called Witches," Holly said.

The fifth-grader also said she enjoys reading Highlights .

"I just read it cover to cover. I especially like the crafts section. It's so cool," she said.

She said she might become a "part-time writer" when she grows up.

And the best thing about being a writer?

"Definitely getting published," said Holly. "It feels so great."