SILVAR  :  Newsroom  : Real Estate Articles

Event Coverage

Palo Alto District Recognizes HomeWords™ Essay Contest Winner


Image about Palo Alto District Recognizes HomeWords™ Essay Contest Winner

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Pictured left to right: Emma Marriott, the first place winner in the intermediate category of the "What is your American Dream" HomeWords™ Essay Contest, is pictured with her teacher, Tracey Berliner, and SILVAR Interim EO Paul Cardus (far right).

Emma Marriott, the first place winner in the intermediate category of the "What is your American Dream" HomeWords™ Essay Contest, and her teacher, Tracey Berliner, were recognized at a recent Palo Alto Tour Meeting. SILVAR sponsors the essay contest in partnership with the California Association of REALTORS® and the San Jose Mercury News as part of the HomeWords™ program. Marriott received a $450 cash prize and Berliner received $250.

Marriott was in the seventh grade last year at Terman Middle School when she joined the contest. In her essay entitled "The American Dream," she writes about longing for a home, where she and her family can finally settle down.

"Having moved so many times can be exciting, but every time I leave, I leave a part of myself behind," Marriott writes. She remains optimistic that her dream will come true someday and her family will no longer have to move again. Her dream is to have a "place where memories grow and dreams come true. Where friends and family gather to enjoy themselves. Which stays strong and sturdy and gives us comfort, even when we are disconsolate.  …. No matter how many times we fail, we will keep trying and I know that one day, we will succeed."

Other winners in the intermediate category were Karen Camacho, also seventh grader at Terman Middle School, second prize of $250; Rebecca Moll of Cupertino Middle School, third prize of $150. Camacho's teacher was also Tracey Berliner, who received $250, while Moll's teacher was Grace Hynes, who received $100.


The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

For further information, please contact Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, email , or phone (408) 200-0109.

» Back to Event Coverage

Site Navigation