3RD PLACE YOUTH CATEGORY
I was born across the river, but I’m an Eastie kid through and through. Walking down the streets, you can hear folks from all over speaking languages ranging from Spanish to Vietnamese, and the older crowd chatting from their balconies in Italian. The aroma of arroz con pollo as you walk through town is enough to die, or rather, to live for. The rich sense of community everywhere—whether it’s a smile from someone you’ve never met, waving at someone from church, or spotting a primo de un primo who you haven’t seen in years—makes you feel warm and safe inside.
Rayne Valentine, 12 Years old,
East Boston.