The Texas County Republican Party recently named several county students as recipients of the Declaration Scholarship award.
Competitors were judged on the quality of a written essay, “What the Declaration of Independence Means For My Life.” Middle school participants wrote essays that were required to be a minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 400 words, while high school students submitted essays of at least 300 words and no longer than 800.
Finalists presented their essays orally at a special meeting set June 19 in Houston. Winners were decided by the vote of all those in attendance at the meeting.
Award winners:
High school – Elisa Williamson, Houston (first place, $500 scholarship), Erika Cooperman, Houston (second place, $250) and Katelyn Grogan, Cabool ($100).
Middle school – Adam Block, Cabool (first place, $100), Taylor Chipps, Houston (second place, $50).
Other finalists included Liz Harris, Cheston Malam and Christian Neal (all of Houston), who each received a $25 scholarship.