News Releases for December 2002
December 30, 2002
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Hoevens Name Megan Girodat Winner Of Family Day Essay
List of ten student finalists 
(60kb pdf)
Compiled Essays of the ten finalists (86kb pdf)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven and First Lady Mikey L. Hoeven today named Megan Girodat, a sixth grader at Milnor School, the winner of a statewide student essay describing the importance of "Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children."
“This student essay project reinforced our North Dakota values of family and education,” Gov. Hoeven said. “All of the students who submitted an essay are winners. Their perspective and thoughtfulness on the importance of spending time together as a family are commendable.”
More than 1,500 students statewide, kindergarten through sixth grade, participated in writing about the importance of spending time with family at the dinner table. Girodat and nine other finalists were recognized in an award ceremony today at the State Capitol.
"There's nothing more important in the family than time spent together,” First Lady Hoeven said. “Everyone's lives are extremely busy and by making mealtime a priority, it allows us to connect with one another and create lasting memories."
According to Girodat, “Most families don’t spend a lot of time with each other. Sometimes a meal is the only time they spend together. People tend to get busy with other things like sports, friends and watching t.v. We don’t often make time for the people we care about most. Another reason to eat together is you can take the opportunity to share old memories as well as create new memories. I think that families that eat together can develop a better relationship with each other. If we all took time for each other, we would probably get along better and stay together.”
Girodat’s essay was selected because of her insight on the importance of connecting as a family and creating memories, said the Hoevens.
“I spend as much time with my family as I can because you just don’t know what can happen,” Girodat wrote. “Mealtime is a perfect time to share, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. So take my advice and believe me when I say, eat with your family and spend at least that time together. You will love every minute of it. I know I do.”
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