With a few simple words, and a stick-man illustration, five-year-old Sahir Shivji of White Rock won the hearts of a local education resources retailer, and some cash.

Sahir, in kindergarten at Cloverdale's Diamond Elementary School, entered the challenge to all elementary-aged children was to write a story and draw a picture explaining why their teacher fits the bill for Teacher of the year.

"Teacher miss Susan is the best because she is fun and challenges me," Sahir wrote.

A picture depicting a smiling Sahir and teacher Susan Backlund holding a certificate accompanied the entry.

Sahir won a $200 Scholar's Choice gift certificate for Backlund, another for himself, and a $100 gift certificate for his school.

He also won a pizza party for his class.