Kennedi Smith, an 8th-grade scholar, won the grade-level writing competition. One of her essays is featured below.

                  To some people, the definition of a good husband may be given from an actual experience, but my definition is my own personal fairytale that defines everything my "good" husband will be. My definition of an acceptable husband would be defined as: the person who loves you unconditionally, the keeper of your deepest secrets, trusting that he'll never tell. He’s the person who accepts you even when you make a mistake, a person who is faithful and never gives into temptation, a partner who shares in the housework, the income earning, and raising the kids. He knows your favorite color, favorite food, what bugs you, and can tell exactly when all you need is a hug. He's your best friend. Many people may wonder what should a good soul mate do, or how should they treat you. They wonder what a good marriage looks like. As a teenager who is still learning about life and finding myself, I don't know much about the topic, but I do know what I expect when I get to that age and stage in my life. It may seem like a bit much, but as a lady, I know what I deserve. Even though I just expect these few requirements and rules, they're self-explanatory. Additionally, if I expect them, it wouldn't hurt for me to treat my "future" spouse with the exact same respect. Most importantly, a husband would be a good husband because he was to be respectful, content, and loving.

                  An acceptable husband should be respectful for a few main reasons. First and foremost, a respectful husband doesn't call you out of your name (unless its a common pet name that expresses his love in a respectful way) or raise his voice. For example, if you make a mistake, he's willing to help you learn from it and get you through it. Secondly, he doesn't pressure you to do anything you don't want to do. If you feel uncomfortable, he would care about making you comfortable rather than forcing you to do something. He would be patient with your decisions and feelings. Lastly, a good husband would always compliment you. It may be out of the blue, but it's a sign of compassion. He would always let you know that you're beautiful no matter what, refusing to accept your insecurities but helping you be content with them yourself. A good husband wouldn't talk about you, or put you down as a person, nor lower your spirit. A commendable husband would show respect at all times, and respect you, your family, your body, and your decisions. Respect is a part of love, which, I think, starts a healthy marriage as well as acceptance.

       With the help of respect, a good husband should be content with you for who you are. First and foremost, he shouldn't want you to change anything about yourself. He should love you as you are and just accept it. He accepts your flaws, and he is content with your looks and everything about you. Secondly, he is content with your family traditions or religion. If God comes first in your family, your husband would be willing to accept that. That doesn't mean converting or changing his religious lifestyle, but he wouldn't try to stop your traditions or religious preferences and at least try to give either religious or traditional experiences a try. Lastly, a good husband would be appreciative of even the little things you do. For example, if you made breakfast, he would say, "Thank you," even though it’s often normal for you to make breakfast. He would say "Please" and "Thank you" to be exact. A content husband would also give you a break because he's so appreciative for you being there. He may get up early, and make you breakfast to thank you for the little and the important things you do as the Mom and Wife of the family.

        Last but not least, a commendable husband would love you through thick and thin. He wouldn't love you through thick and thin because they were apart of the vows, but he would love you through thick and thin because it came naturally. It came from your personality, the first date, and the way your eyes look in the sunset. First and foremost, a good husband would love you through sickness. For instance, if you were in the hospital, a good husband would stay there with you each and everyday, holding your hand every step of the way and assuring you that everything would be okay until you felt better. He wouldn't go back to work and just wait or think about if you were feeling better or not. A good husband would put himself in your shoes, feel your pain, and make it better for the both of you. Additionally, a good husband would also love you in health, which is pretty obvious. On the other hand, he would help you both stay that way. If he saw you at your worst, he would pull you up and help you reach your best, and he wouldn't give up on you.

        In conclusion, a good husband, in my opinion, would be considerable, appeased, and affectionate. Referring to my fairytale definition, a good husband isn't just married to you or your spouse. He's your best friend. You are so comfortable with him that you trust him with everything to keep your deepest secret a secret. He may not be your middle- school or high- school sweetheart, but you wish you knew him then! If you were lucky enough that he was a middle or high- school sweetheart, you don't have to wonder why he became your husband today, but you always knew he would be a good husband to whomever he married. With that said, what would you consider a "good" husband no matter how much of a fairytale it may be... =}

-Kennedi "Fairytale" Smith