Announcing the Winner from the Photo Contest: Lera from Ukraine

In November, students from around the world participated in a special photography contest to share photos of the people, places, and things they are grateful for. Students participated in the special PenPal Schools topic Giving Thanks Through Photography and submitted photos to the Showcase. The PenPal Schools team chose the 5 best student photos and shared them on social media for community voting.

Your votes have been counted, and we’re excited to announce that Lera from Ukraine is the winner! Congratulations, Lera! Check out her winning project:

As Lera discussed gratitude with PenPals from around the world, she reflected on what she is thankful for and created a photo project to share her love of horses.

"The first thing that I am grateful for is that I live on our planet Earth thanks to my parents. I am very glad that it's me but not someone else. I am satisfied with everything I have. The next thing I am satisfied for is that my parents pay much attention to my learning of English because I'd like to commucate with people from different countries, traveling abroad and meeting various cultures. The last thing I am grateful for is that my parents instilled in me a great love to horses. That's why I have my real friend - horse Ponochka, and thanks to her I have been going in for horse-riding for many years, taking part in different festivals and competitions. " 

Lera and her teacher

Lera also reflected on why she loved working with global PenPals:

"Personally I think that the most important thing is that teenagers from all over the world have a possibility to communicate with each other, exchange their views and impressions, ask questions that interest them and get answers to their questions thanks to this project."

Congratulations, Lera! Thanks for being a great PenPal!