Bio

Age 11, Missouri

Favorite Subject: communication arts

Book: Flowers for Algernon

Music: soft rock

Extracurricular Activities: floor hockey, basketball, school choir, Mark Twain Reader, and Church Youth Group

Hobbies: reading, listening to music, puzzles

Holly hopes to one day be a teacher.

As a kid reporter, she hopes to learn how to interview people and learn better writing skills.

"I love to travel and learn new things. And I like to listen to what others teach me," she said. "I also like to learn fun and interesting facts about people and places.

In her spare time, Holly likes to play with her pets and put puzzles together.

Holly is in the sixth grade in Webster Groves, Missouri. She has one younger brother.

The Spectacular Gateway Arch

By Holly Sumner
Scholastic Kids Press Corps

This is Holly Sumner reporting on the beautiful Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. The Arch is a 630-foot structure built on a 60-foot foundation. The arch is made of steel. In a 20 mph wind, the Arch sways up to 1 inch. It is built to sway up to 18 inches.

The arch's construction started in 1963, and was completed in 1965. The design of the arch was created by architect Eero Saarinens.

The arch is located in scenic Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park. The park is right next to the Mississippi River. If you choose to take the tramcar up the arch, there is a spectacular view of the top. You can see over the Old Courthouse, the oldest building standing in St. Louis. You can also see past the Missouri/Illinois border.

After you go leave the arch, take a trip through 100 years of expansion in the Museum of Westward Expansion. The museum features interesting artifacts from the time of explorers Lewis and Clark. The museum also teaches about how farmers and American Indians lived during that time. One of the exhibits has an authentic tepee!

You will enjoy the breathtaking view from the arch and the history you'll find at the Westward Expansion Museum. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop!