Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

It was a long race. It was a hard race. There were times when it felt like we were on the back nine in the middle of the Sahara, but perseverance paid off for one blogger: Silver_Alexis.

That's right. She set her eye on the prize. She paced herself until she got in the home stretch. Then she set her eye on the prize and was unstoppable. Silver_Alexis won by more than three lengths.

Silver_Alexis, I hope you enjoy your new set of Zebra pens.

I would like to thank trunthepaige for suggesting and making this contest possible. Withouth her help and support, I would not have met the people I have who participated in this contest. Paige, thank you for sponsoring this event!