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Harlan County 5th grader’s family and state’s retired teachers celebrate the Black Mountain Elementary School statewide essay contest winner – Angel Wynn
Tuesday, Angel Wynn received top honors in the 2014 Grandparent of the Year essay contest sponsored by Kentucky Retired Teachers Association ( KRTA) and AARP Kentucky. Ms. Wynn and her grandmother, Luada Wynn, received their awards at the Annual “AARP Kentucky Grandparent of the Year” ceremonies in Louisville.
The Black Mountain Elementary School student’s grandmother, Luada Wynn was the subject of her winning essay, “Why My Grandparent Should be the AARP Grandparent of the Year.” According to Angel, “My Grandma… is a great cook, a hard worker and a really kind and amazing person… My Grandma and Pap have raised me like I was their own child.”
Angel’s essay was selected from thousands of student entries across 216 schools in 87 Kentucky counties. Beth Howard, Black Mountain Elementary School 5th grade teacher, encouraged Wynn and all her students to write about their grandparents. "The moment I met Angel I knew she was a special child… she is a wonderful person. The Wynn’s have done an excellent job raising this child.” said Howard.
The annual contest highlights the nurturing relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren. “The essay contest is just one important way to show how important grandparents are in the lives of children,” said AARP Kentucky’s KRTA volunteer liaison Cebert Gilbert of Stanton.
AARP and KRTA share a long collaborative history and continue to work together to grow the annual essay contest. Judging is based on grammar, form, neatness, creativity, expression and characteristics of the grandparent. Local volunteers from KRTA’s 118 Units facilitate the contest with the winner selected by a panel of AARP and KRTA representatives.
“I am so honored to be here among educators and retired teachers, because you have impacted my life over the years,” said Angel’s grandmother, Luada Wynn.
Angel received a $100 award and special plaque and Mrs. Wynn received a commemorative award from AARP. Beth Howard, Angle’s fifth grade teacher received $150 for school supplies. AARP Kentucky Senior Program Assistant Rachel Fautz, KRTA President and AARP/KRTA Liaison Cebert Gilbert presented the awards before an audience of hundreds of retired educators.
http://youtu.be/8RcKY4jtu6M[/youtube]
See full essay here: Angel Wynn Essay - 1st place
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