Creative writing contest focuses on "volunteerism"

The Alpha Zeta chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma hosted an awards program for their annual creative writing contest March 27 at the Malta High School Auditorium. This year's essay topic was "volunteerism" and the students approached the topic from different perspectives. They did all agree, however, that volunteering is important in our communities and the benefits are great for both the recipients and those volunteering. When volunteering, the students felt good about themselves and realized they were learning valuable skills for later in life. Many of them have already donated a large number of volunteer hours in their young lives.

The essays are judged in five age groups: Grades K-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12. One Grand Prize Winner is then chosen from the top essay in each level. Alpha Zeta would like to thank the teachers in the participating schools for encouraging the students to contribute their compositions.

Winners in the K-2 group included: 1st Place, Peyton Smith, Hinsdale School; 2nd Place, Kodi Boone, Hinsdale School; 3rd Place, Andrew Boucher, Hinsdale School. Honorable Mentions are Nathaniel Newsom, Hinsdale School; Carter Pippin, Saco School; Kendall Scheffelmear, Whitewater School; Lena Tremblay, Malta Elementary; Abby Yeska, Saco School.

Grades 3-4 winners are: 1st Place, Aidan Kaasa, Malta Elementary; 2nd Place, Trinity Tramell, Malta Elementary; 3rd Place, Emma Harms, Malta Elementary. Honorable Mentions for this group are Nikki Nicholson, Malta Elementary; Kevin Missildine, Malta Elementary; Kirsta Meisdalen, Malta Elementary; Kaden Bishop, Malta Elementary; Ashton Smith, Hinsdale School; Brylee French, Malta Elementary; Naylene Winkel, Malta Elementary; Addy Anderson, Malta Elementary.

Grades 5-6 winners are: 1st Place, Bonnie Jones, Malta MS; 2nd Place, Hope Biddix, Malta MS; 3rd Place, Annabelle Giblette, Malta Elementary. Honorable Mentions: Kelbee Denham, Malta MS; Kailey Crowder, Malta Elementary; Isabel Wright, Malta MS; Carly Garfield, Malta MS; Danika Soper, Hinsdale School; Lauren Doney, Malta Elementary; Tori Siewing, Malta MS; Parker Mortenson, Malta Elementary; Kaylanna Bain, Malta MS.

Grades 7-8 winners are: 1st Place, Billie Orahood. Malta Middle School; 2nd Place, Jada Sudbrack, Saco School; 3rd Place, Vincent Jolley, Saco School. Honorable Mentions: MicKayla Johnson, Hinsdale School; Bailey Funk, Saco School; Chaykota Christensen, Hinsdale School; Joanie Sjostrom, Malta MS; Raina Mortenson, Malta MS; Bella Mackey, Malta MS; Evie McCorkle, Malta MS; Reba Doucette, Malta MS; Anna Wright, Malta MS; Chandler Pippin, Saco School.

There were no entries in the Grades 9-12 category.

This year's grand prize winner is Cienna Strommen, a 3rd grader from Hinsdale School. Her teacher is Mr. Jay Billingsley.