Photo provided BELLAIRE ELEMENTARY School fourth graders, front row, from left, Josh Collins, Paisley Farrier, Sophia LaRoch, Rylie Hathaway, and back row, from left, Ethan Vasey, Jordan Price, Luke Harveth, Piper Williamson, Saphire Graham, hold the essays about cats and kittens up for adoption by Webark Estates.

BELLAIRE — Fourth graders at Bellaire Elementary School decided to help some of their furry friends get adopted by writing stories about them.

They wrote short essays about the different cats and kittens up for adoption by Webark Estates. The animal organization held a free cat adoption day at The Highlands’ Petco on April 30. The fourth graders, who are part of a leadership group, wrote the essays about why each cat would be someone’s “purrfect companion.” The essays were also accompanied by drawings of the animals created by the students and the cats’ photos.

Participating were students Josh Collins, Paisley Farrier, Sophia LaRoch, Rylie Hathaway, Ethan Vasey, Jordan Price, Luke Harveth, Piper Williamson and Saphire Graham.

An example of one essay is about a kitten named Fergus:

“I’m just a little kitten as you can see. Plus I love to especially see you. I love cuddles, kids/adults, definitely food and toys! Did I mention I’m kid friendly? I think you’re purrfect. Also I love playing with you. I love to do anything with you!”

Natalie Manners, Bellaire Elementary counselor, said the assignment allowed her students to “think out of the box.”

“I want the students to become aware of the simple things they can do to have a big impact,” she said. “Doing small community projects like this shows our young students that just because you may not be able to adopt a pet, be able to drive or even be an adult yet, etc., that does not stop you from having a positive impact on your community.”

Manners provided a quote about the experience from one of the students:

Jordan Price said, “I enjoyed doing the cat project because hopefully the cats won’t have to stay in a cage. I want them to get adopted.”