Steven Potter, an eighth grade student at West Valley Adventist School, recently entered and won an essay contest called "Our Arizona," which was sponsored by the Phoenix Symphony.

Contest entrants fit into one of three age categories — third and fourth grades, fifth and sixth grades, and seventh and eighth grades. Each group was assigned a topic. In keeping with the musical theme of the Jan. 30 "Symphony for the Schools" concert, which honored people and places in Arizona, the oldest group answered the question: "If you were the Governor of Arizona, what would you be the most proud of, and what is one thing you would change? Explain how you would make the state better."

"I wanted to emphasize some of the public concerns," said Potter, "And I just wrote and rewrote until I felt I had it right."

During the concert, the names of the top three winners and their schools were projected on the wall as they were introduced by Lawrence Golan, the conductor.

The symphony and the audience of about 4,000 learned about beautiful places in the state and listened as Potter read his essay. "I would like to start off with what I am proud of in Arizona," began Steven. He included the willingness of Arizonans he knew to help others. He said he would make new laws to increase the school funding so they would be able to buy supplies. He also included funding organizations that help those in need, helping people whose homes have been destroyed and preventing crime.