1st Place - Emily Gifford
I love curling up and reading a book. It allows me to escape to another
world or a different time. But there are times when what I read in a book is
a fantasy for others, but for me it's a way of life! I have read stories
where neighbors lend each other a cup of sugar or borrow a chair, of towns
where you do not need to worry when walking down the streets, and where
everyone knows each other and people are glad to greet you when you meet.
Then I realize that I live in that story book, the story book of Scotia.
Born and raised in the Village of Scotia, I have gone through the
entire school system, walked the streets, met the people, played in the park,
ate the Stewart's ice cream, watched the ski shows, and attended
the Freedom Park concerts. It was not until last year that I realized how
lucky I am to live here. I went to Brazil as an exchange student and lived
in a large city. I missed the village life, with its tight connection
among the people, and the welcoming feeling the sidewalks radiate (even
through the snow!). Since this is my last year of high school, and likely
my last year in Scotia for a long time, I am trying to take advantage of
everything the Village has to offer. I will miss the cider and donuts at
Halloween, playing in the snow at Collin's Park, and Holiday on the Ave.
I will miss walking to Scotia Cinema and enjoying inexpensive movies with my
friends. I will miss the good weather when I can sit on my porch with my
neighbors. I finally realized how much I have learned from my teachers and
through extracurricular programs over the years. Most of all, I relish
the closeness of everything in the Village: both the people and the
places! As a child I took many of these things for granted, but now (with
the help of Participation of Government classes) I have attended governing
meetings for Scotia and the school board. Through my father's work on the
Planning Board and with the Fire Station, I have gained an appreciation of
the amount of effort it takes to run a successful community. The diligence
of the people behind the scenes of Scotia is definitely a
worthwhile investment.
Although Scotia has much to offer, its efforts
to help teens is limited. Frequently I hear my classmates complaining
that there is "nothing to do" in Scotia. The saddest thing is that many
teens are relying on drugs and alcohol for their entertainment. I would
not go as far as to say there is nothing to do, but I think a Teen Center
would be a nice addition to the community. A facility such as this would
have to be run just right to attract interest, and would be most
successful if it were designed, organized and run by students under the
guidance of adults.
It is hard to imagine 'dear old Scotia' any other
way than it is today. Few things have changed in the years since I have been
here besides the styles and occasionally the neighbors. I am sure as time
marches on, future generations will see some changes in technology (maybe
heated sidewalks!) and even some new buildings. There may be some changes of
leadership in businesses, but I can not picture the Village of Scotia
changing a great deal in the next one hundred years. With the help of zoning
codes, I believe the charm of Scotia will be preserved. I envision
the Village of Scotia as continuing to be a good place to raise children
and enjoy life.
|
| Photos | Village Hall | Events | History |
| Food & Fun | Community Support | Scotia Websites | Local Businesses |
| Previous VisitScotia.com Front Pages | |||
Copyright © 2004 BillP Studios
All Rights Reserved.