Fine Arts Student of the Week
Shipman wins writing contest with her Mother's Day poem
Sarah Shipman is wrapping up her sophomore year with a flash of literary achievement.
Shipman's poem "Moment after Moment" -- a Mother's Day tribute -- won the Fifth Street Journal's writing contest, earning a nomination as Fine Arts Student of the Week as well.
An ode to mothers who have passed away, the 14-line poem was written for extra credit in Marilyn LaShomb's English composition class and entered into the newspaper's contest, Shipman said.
'Moment After Moment'
Missing you so much
Only waiting for your touch
Tears roll down and feelings rush
Her hair so soft and lips so pink
Even though you're gone
My heart still sinks
Rest in peace because today is your day
Smile upon you is what I do
When I have nothing to say
Dead maybe, but alive in my heart
All our times are gone
But the memories do not fade
You loved me as much as I love you,
If only you could have stayed.
"I figured everyone would be writing about how great their mothers are, so I thought it would be nice to dedicate a poem to those who don't have mothers because of death," said the sophomore, whose mother Juneal is alive and well.
"I know how hard it would be for anyone who didn't have a mother on Mother's Day," Shipman said, adding she doesn't know anyone in that situation.
"I have friends without fathers so I figured there are those without mothers, too."
"Moment after Moment" captures the emotion of a child whose parent has died: "Missing you so much/Only waiting for your touch ... Rest in peace because today is your day/Smile upon you is what I do/When I have nothing to say/Dead maybe, but alive in my heart ... You loved me as much as I love you/If only you could have stayed."
An aspiring writer, Shipman is just getting started in her fine arts pursuits, completing Drawing I last semester. She plans to enroll in drawing and pottery classes next year.
Shipman said she writes poetry in her spare time, preferring "happy and joyful themes, such as love."
The 16-year-old also holds a part-time job as a dog-walker and kennel attendant at an area veterinarian-boarding business.
Sarah Shipman
Art focus: creative writing
Art activities: English composition
Age: 16
Year: sophomore
GPA: not sure
Favorite subjects: English
Most memorable fine arts achievement: publication of Mother's Day poem
Artist most admired: none
Favorite movie: "Here on Earth"
Favorite TV program: none
Future plans: undecided
Parents: Tom and Juneal Shipman of Brainerd
Honorable mentions:
Jeff Hanson, junior, pottery: "Jeff has become a very fine potter, although he's only a first-year student," his teacher said. "His work rivals that of more advanced students."
Kevin Koop, senior, Symphonic Band: Koop plays the bass guitar in the Jazz Ensemble and is a soloist with the band.
Mandy Koep, senior, A Cappella Choir: An alto section leader, Koep has performed with the choir for two years and Windfall and Chorale for one year. She was named to the Central Lakes All-Conference Choir this year.