NYC Scholastic Awards Trip or Bust

This year Chloe's teacher encouraged her to enter her poems in the National Scholastic Art and Writing contest.  Not only did my amazingly talented poet win a Gold Key at the 9-state regional contest, she went on to win a GOLD MEDAL at the National level.  What's more, she gets to accept her award at Carnegie Hall in NYC!! I am over-the-top proud of Chloe.  OMG, I still hyperventilate thinking about this! So you know, we gotta go! 

Here's one of the poems she won with: 

Pocket Change by Chloe D. Phelps

Being a quarter Mexican 
Is like being a penny Pakistani.
It doesn't count.
At least, that's what I'm told. 

I am so proud
Of my heritage.
"Dinosaurio" was my first Spanish word.
But I don't look Mexican, so I can't be, right?

I try to learn,
Just to prove myself.
Nut me perfect accent, the r's rolling off my tongue, 
My Mexican eyes, like those of my Papito, youngest of seven children, 
And my nose, 
The same as my uncle Roman, 
Is never proof enough. 

All I have left is my blood, 
How much would you like? 
A gallon?
A pint?
A quarter?

How much do need to sacrifice
For my words to suffice
As proof of what is shown 
Within my eyes?