Elwood students excel in Kayak Kids essay contest

Elwood High School recently had two students win first and second place in the Nebraska Game & Parks Kayak Kids essay writing contest. Delaney Collins, first place winner, will receive a sit-on-top kayak, paddle and life jacket. Gracie Rushton, runner-up, will receive a rod and reel.

This is the 8th year the Game & Parks has held the essay contest. Submissions were a 250-word minimum handwritten essay about why growing up in the outdoors is important to them, or to society in general. Winners were from two age divisions: 10-14 and 15-18. All prizes were purchased using 100 percent donated funds by local Southwest Nebraska businesses. Game & Parks employees were invited to judge the essays by reading and selecting their favorite essays from each age division. All votes were then tallied from the employees who participated to acquire the winners.