WEST POINT -- Tyler Fessler, a fourth-grade student at Lakeside Elementary School, thinks "doctors are great!" Fessler, who has had 15 surgeries, shared his medical experiences in a story written for a writing contest, which was open to all fourth-grade students in the Davis School District. Fessler, who likes to read and play sports in his free time, won the contest out of hundreds of entries. Here's his winning story:

"Doctors come in all different types. They help us when we are sick. They stay up all night worrying about our well being. Doctors are miracle workers. In my case doctors have changed my whole life.

"I was born with a cleft lip and palate. I had many visits to the hospital. When I was only six weeks old, I had my first surgery. I don't remember that, but from what mom and dad say, I was a trooper. Since then, I have had 15 different surgeries.

"Each time I get ready for a surgery, I feel myself get jumpy, nervous and sometimes excited. The medicine isn't always the best.

"After the surgery, I feel light-headed and sometimes sick. This is when I listen to what the doctor has to say and it calms me down. He always cares about how I feel and what will make me feel better.

"My doctor has made it possible for me to look as normal as I can. He has put my nose where it belongs, has sewn up my lip, and fixed the hole in the top of my mouth. I can do and say everything like everyone else. This to me is a miracle worker.

"I can't imagine what life would have been like without the help of my own doctor. Sometimes at school I get asked silly questions. At times they make me feel sad, other times they make me feel different, but in the end I am happy that I am who I am.

"In conclusion, doctors help us when we are sick, they care about our feelings and they are the most amazing miracle workers. In my case doctors have changed my life for the best. This is why I think doctor's are great!"