It doesn’t take much to inspire children to dream big and work hard — especially when you fuel their imaginations. Take a look at this year’s winning drawing and essay from the Publix News Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day contest, and visit Publix News Online to see more winning entries.

Each year, Publix associates and their children participate in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. This year’s theme — Sparking Aha! Moments — gave youngsters ages 8 – 18 a chance to imagine new ideas while experiencing firsthand Publix’s mission. To make the day even more meaningful, they were asked to participate in the Publix News annual contest. We received many excellent entries and picked the top five from each category. The winner and runner-up will receive a prize.

Drawings

Winner: Gavin, 10
Son of Assistant Customer Service Manager Jeremy Field, #866, Clearwater, Florida

Runner-up: Penelope, 8
Daughter of Cashier
Tiffany Badcock, #1270, Lakeland, Florida

Essays

Winner: Morgan, 12
Daughter of Administrative Assistant
Tim Graham
Corporate Quality Assurance

Runner-up: Jenna, 11
Granddaughter of Pharmacy Administrator
Scheduler Debbie Griffin
Lakeland Pharmacy Operations

Online Exclusive

Drawings

3rd place: Reagan, 8
Daughter of Store Manager Tim Haggard, #1267, Sarasota, FL

4th place: Chandler, 10
Son of Customer Service Manager Casi Johnson, #1172, Murfreesboro, TN

5th place: Jacqueline, 8
Daughter of Decorator Celsa Hennink, #488, Naples, FL

Essays

3rd place: Alexandra, 9
Daughter of Store Manager Carlos Fonseca, #889, Miami, FL

4th place: Claudia, 9
Daughter of Produce Clerk Elizabeth Deleon, #889, Miami, FL

5th place: Ashley, 13
Neighbor of Customer Service Team Leader Lauri Draskovich, #1348, South Pasadena, FL