South's Greatest Kids of 2017 Winners
When it comes to cute, the kids of the South are all way above average! We asked our readers to send us a few of their favorite photos. See for yourself!
Cohen Harper
6 months
Parents: John and Andrea Harper
My parents were told when I was only 35 weeks that I had some sort of growth on my neck and chest. They couldn’t give many answers and we were worried sick. When I was born, I was whisked away for testing and my mom wasn’t able to hold me right away. A few hours later, the doctors told us that I had a rare lymphatic cyst called a lymphangioma, but I was otherwise completely healthy! So despite all I’ve been through, I’m is always happy. I love people and smile at everyone!
Paisley Metz
3 years old
Parents: Gray and Chad Metz
Loving other people is easy with my outgoing nature. Everyone I meet gets a hug and a kiss. Don’t underestimate me, I’m a very determined child. Because of my “condition”, I push myself to accomplish things that come easily to most kids. My parents say that I live life with an enthusiasm that most never experience and that I have exceeded everyone’s expectations and am growing into an active, talkative little girl (maybe a little too talkative, lol). Because of Down Syndrome, I have low muscle tone, making all developmental milestones into achievements to celebrate (like when I was almost two years old, I stood up and walked across the room). So, now I LOVE showing off my dance moves. I just know it will get a laugh or people will be impressed so I dance every chance I get.
Avery Mason
7 years old
Parents: Dereck and Amber Mason
I love cheerleading – especially being a member of the Savannah Sharks and having the chance to compete against other teams. That’s really fun! I also enjoy playing tennis. My parents say I’m a bit competitive and I worked hard to get on the honor roll at school. But art is something I also love to do. It lets me use my imagination!
Mia Alexis Lopez
5 years old
Parents: Ernest and Amy Lopez
I’m outgoing, creative and very inquisitive. I’m absorbed in learning new things and will ask you questions about everything. I’ll bug you to tell me all about it, and if you don’t know the answer, just Google it. I remember my first trip to Disney World where I met all of my favorite characters in person for the very first time. The joy I felt was priceless! It reminds me of Rapunzel. She’s my favorite character because she has long hair. I want to climb up her hair so that we can play together in her tower.
Olivia Harley
3 years old
Parents: Gene and Kelly Harley
While my older brother is carefully considering crossing the street, I have already crossed it. Twice. With my eyes closed. I dance like no one is watching. As soon as you meet me, you’ll agree that my love for life is infectious! I really like Doc McStuffins. I go around singing, “It’s time for a checkup!” while carrying my doctor bag around just like Doc McStuffins. I always want to make people feel better, and if you let me give you a checkup, I’ll make sure to use plenty of shots and Band-Aids.
Emery Michael Gideon
16 months
Parents: Terry and Leslie Gideon
Have you ever seen the “Cars” movie? I love Lightning McQueen. I have the Lightning McQueen Matchbook car, and I take it everywhere! I can really zoom around! My brothers and sisters love to chase me around the house, and that’s fun for me, too. I also love to dance. Almost any kind of music. If I had my choice, I’d stay outside most of the time. Day or night, it wouldn’t matter. So many things to see and do!
Makenzie Emma Lane
3 years old
Parents: Danielle Leach & Jeff Lane
My mom always says I have a heart of gold. Not to brag, but I recently landed the “kindness” award for the year at my school. That’s got to count for something, right? My favorite cartoon character is Minnie Mouse. I love her because she is so cute, and she always wears pink, my favorite color! I love getting together with my friends. We have a lot of things to do, but the best is getting our fingernails painted! I love my big sister, Kalley. She is nice to me, and I hope I can be like her when I get bigger.
Hunter Bryant
3 years old
Parents: Erin Wieniewitz & Jason Bryant
I love to laugh. It makes everybody happy! My favorite cartoon character is Mickey Mouse, but I also love Santa Claus! My favorite thing is playing outside. There are so many great things to do and interesting things to play with – like the vacuum cleaner and the leaf blower. Wow! And by the way, my sister behind me, she won South’s Greatest Kids last year. Now I’m as awesome as she is!
Lilli Bonin
8 years old
Parents: Jessica Bonin & Josh Turner
Being fun, loving, kind and spunky fits well with my love for competition cheerleading. It feels so good when everything comes together in our routines. Hard work and practice really pay off. If you know Harry Potter then you know Hermione Granger. She is one of my favorite characters. She is brave and smart and she knows a lot of spells. She is a happy person who cares for people.
Meadow Bloom Fretwell & jacob Ferguson
1 1/2 years old
Parents: Sean & Kristan Fretwell,
Anthony & Beth Ferguson
We are lovable first cousins and the youngest on the farm. I love animals and my cousin Jacob loves me! We are the best of friends and we hug all the time. All THE time. We just love our farm life and being with our farm animals here, but we do like our occasional book to read.
Jack Friedman
7 months
Parents: Zachary & Whitney Friedman
I love to be outside. My parents think I have a lot of curiosity, and there is so much going on that is fun to watch. I see lots of animals outside, and I especially like dogs! I love people and they make me laugh. Ducks make me laugh, too. I love to watch the “Duck Song” cartoon on YouTube. It’s my favorite, but I like other kinds of music, too. And I also like books. I’m learning to read, and I already know how to finger paint!
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