More than 1,500 kids in grades 1 through 6 mailed in their answers to this question, presenting the judges with a bit of a challenge as they selected the top three essays in grades 1 to 3 and 4 to 6. Katelyn Jo M. of Fisk, MO, selected the eastern chipmunk as her favorite friend to-be, in an essay that earned her first place in grades 4 to 6. They are responsible like me, and they like to get things done. Mylena V. took top honors in the younger category for her essay on a cheetah.
All cheetahs have different patterns of spots, but that's okay with cheetahs.
Snagging second place, sixth-grader Margaret D. of Boardman, OH, addressed her essay to her best buddy, a tapir. I hear you are a swimmer. Unfortunately, I'm not so super. They know each other well because they spend time grooming each other with their paws. Taking third place for grades 4 to 6, Courtney S. of McClellandtown, PA, tells of her flighty butterfly friend.