If you were given a million dollars, how would you use it to help your community?  One hundred eleventh graders from Dickson, Hickman and Humphreys Counties came up with a variety of ideas in The Goodlark Educational Foundation’s seventh annual essay contest.  Judges Peggy, Pat and Sue Berry were given the difficult task of choosing the top three essays from a group that included 36 entries from Dickson County High School, 58 entries from Creek Wood, five entries from Hickman County High School and one homeschool entry.

First place winner Kendra Beard

Kendra Beard from HCHS was chosen as the first prize winner.  Kendra will receive a $1,000 scholarship for her essay describing her plan to build a recreation center for area children.  Kendra wrote compellingly about how such a center could make a significant impact on her community. 

DCHS English teacher Robyn Miller, second place winner Kyle Prichard and third place winner Olivia Bellar

Second prize and a $500 scholarship were awarded to Kyle Prichard from DCHS, who thought the money could be best spent improving technology in the schools, buying food for the Help Center, and supporting parks and historical sites in the community.  Third prize and a $250 scholarship went to Olivia Bellar, also from DCHS.  Olivia envisioned using a million dollars to build a performing arts center and to support the Help Center, Child Advocacy Center, Women Are Safe, and Habitat for Humanity.

Thank you to all the talented writers who participated in the essay contest this year.  2012-2013 juniors should look for the next essay contest in the fall of 2012.