Brigid Gannon Has the Worst Year

If Brigid Gannon is to be believed, she has the worst life in the world -- at least according to her winning entry in the national contest to write the opening paragraph a new book in the Middle School: Worst Years of My Life series.

Brigid's worst opener was the best out of all the students entered, including 59 of her classmates who entered the contest after the book fair earlier this year.

Julie Gallagher, Brigid's fifth-grade teacher at , encouragd all her students to write an original entry, in the main character's voice. The entries, from 8- to 13-year-olds across the country, were judged on originality, creativity, grammar, and relevance.

Brigid's winning opener will appear in the next book, along with her name, age and state:

Have you ever thought you have the worst life ever? Yeah, your sister puked on your homework and yeah, your brother pushed your phone down the toilet, but you could always look on the bright side—at least you don't have my life.

The fifth-grader also won an iPad2 and was recognized at an assembly at Wade Thomas -- you can watch the video of the assembly at right.

"It gives hope and inspiration to all students when someone you know actually wins," said Gallagher. "For years, I have been having my students enter writing contests, both national and local, and have yet to have a grand prize winner - I am inspired to continue looking for these contests now. It just became realistic and tangible to all students."

What would be your opening paragraph?