Winners of local essay contest announced

The Bobcat winners of the local American Dream/Code of the West Essay Contest were recently announced.

Madeline Wagler received first place and $300, Cadence Steadman was second receiving $200 and Lee Grimm was third receiving $100.

First place winner Wagler qualified for the state contest with her essay, “Pull Your Foot Out of the Mud” about finding courage in the Alaskan wilderness.

The American Dream Essay Contest is centered on bestselling author Jim Owen’s “Ten Principles to Live By,” as highlighted in his book Cowboy Ethics. Every high school and homeschool student in grades 9-12 is invited to participate by reflecting on the ten principles and writing an essay based on their own personal beliefs or guiding forces.

 A total of 799 students, representing 28 schools, participated in this year’s contest.