Gadsden County’s district winner in the local Fifth Grade Essay Contest is headed to the statewide competition.
Bethany Monroy, a Gadsden Elementary Magnet student, won the 2022 Gadsden County contest; part of Monroy’s winnings included a prize of $70 (with an additional $75 being awarded to her teacher, Ms. Dilworth-Porter), but also the chance to compete with other fifth graders from around the State of Florida at the upcoming statewide competition.
A total of 15 students competed in this year’s local competition, which was held at the Max D. Walker School Administration Building’s board room.
The room was filled to capacity with principals, parents, teachers, and educational supporters from around Gadsden County.
“This is the first time in years that all fifth grade students’ teachers have truly encouraged students to enter the Fifth Grade Essay Writing Contest, and I must say, I am truly proud,” stated Gadsden County Superintendent of Schools Elijah Key.
The superintendent further acknowledged Gadsden County Retired Educators Association President Sam Love, and other members of the association, for the many projects they have sponsored to help the school district include mini grants that were awarded this past week to teachers.
Each year, the Gadsden County Retired Educators Association joins the State of Florida Retired Educators in sponsoring a Fifth Grade Writing Essay Contest that encourages local students to write a 500 word essay about their exciting experiences with their grandparents.
“The Gadsden County Retired Educators believe this is a wonderful way for students to show their appreciation and love for those important older persons in their lives, whether it be their grandparents or someone close who enhances and encourages them on a daily basis. It also gives students an opportunity to express their broad imagination and sincere thoughts through descriptive writing,” stated Audrey Lewis, Gadsden County Retired Educators Association’s Fifth Grade Writing Essay Committee Chair. “This is one of the most favorite projects of the Retired Educators. Some essays are funny, heartfelt, and some will leave you with tears.”
District winner Monroy’s winning essay was titled, “Gone But Not Forgotten.”
Other district winners include: Jordan Davis (Crossroad Academy) – Second Place Winner with essay “Things I Do with My Grandparents” – taught by Ms. Brown; Ti’Shayla Wilson (James A. Shanks) – Third Place Winner with essay “My Favorite Grandparents” – taught by Ms. Krystal Miles; Raymaya Richardson (Chattahoochee Elementary) – Fourth Place Winner with essay “My Loving Grandparents” – taught by Ms. Wiggins; and Kaytlin Moore (Gadsden Elementary Magnet School) – Honorable Mention with essay “Farming with Grandpa” – taught by Ms. Dilworth-Porter.
The district’s first place winner received $70 and the teacher received a $75 gift card.
The second place winner received $60 and the teacher received a $60 gift card.
The third place winner received $50 and the teacher received a $50 gift card.
The 4th place winner received $40.00 and the teacher received a $40.00 gift card.
The honorable mention winner received $30 and the teacher received a $30 gift card.
All gift cards to the teachers are to be spent on classroom supplies or needs.
Ashley Hunter – editor@prioritynews.net