KIDS WRITE ABOUT GOOD EXPERIENCES.

Byline: Daily News

PALMDALE - Twelve young people were honored in the annual Yes2Kids ``Kids Speak out About Child Abuse Prevention'' writing contest.

Recognized in grade levels from first through 12th, the youngsters wrote on ``I Feel Special When My Family ...,'' based on theideathat when family members focus on what works well for them, they will do more toward helping each other feel valued rather than enter into abusive ways of relating.

Winners were Crystal Armenta, Littlerock High School, grade 12; Krystina Kessler, Highland High School, grade 11; Janelee Velazquez, Desert Sands Charter High School, grade 10; Vanessa Swift, Desert Sands Charter High School, grade 9; Joe Lopez, Almondale School, grade 8; From the Palmdale Learning Plaza: Forest Pfatenhauer, grade 7; Phillip Grove, grade 6; Mustafa Yasar, grade 5; Esteisi Martinez, Pueblo Learning Center, grade 4; Sydney Matheson, Palmdale Learning Plaza, grade 3; Hana Welsh, Palmdale Learning Plaza, grade 2; and McKenna Madrigal, Palmdale Learning Plaza, grade 1.

Winners received $100 savings bonds, Office Depot backpacks full of school supplies, and certificates of recognition from Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, state Sen. George Runner and Assemblywoman Sharon Runner. Each also received a case of copy paper for their teacher and classmates.

The winners were announced at an April 6 banquet that kicked off Child Abuse Prevention Month by the Yes2Kids-Antelope Valley Child Abuse Prevention Council. About 240 people attended the banquet at the Larry Chimbole Cultural Center in Palmdale.

Two Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services social workers were honored for their work in 2005 in preventing child abuse.

Honored were Journet Prater of the department's Lancaster office and Evie Christensen of the department's Palmdale office.

The banquet was a Mexican buffet catered by Nico's. Raffle prizes included a propane barbecue provided by local Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores and a gift basket from the Whole Wheatery.

Master of ceremonies Dr. John Whitaker of the Children's Bureau invited guests to participate with Yes2Kids, Children's Bureau and the Department of Children and Family Services to view child abuse as a community problem in which community members working together can be a strong force that is part of the solution.

To become a member of Yes2Kids-Antelope Valley Child Abuse Prevention Council, call [phone].

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VELAZQUEZ