PAOLI — Winners of the Orange County America 250 Student Writing Contest were announced last week during a ceremony at the Paoli Public Library, recognizing young writers from across the county for their reflections on small-town life.
Front row: Arai Ingle and Krayton Strauss
More than 70 entries were submitted by students in kindergarten through 12th grade, representing Springs Valley, Paoli, and Orleans schools, as well as homeschool participants. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Small Town USA,” invited students to share their perspectives on the values, traditions, and experiences that define their communities.
Six students were selected as contest winners. Those recognized included Hannah Thomas, Remington Piatt, Adalyn Morgan, and Auroro Miszezak, along with Arai Ingle and Krayton Strauss.
Each winner received a certificate, a cash prize, and an Orange County America 250 commemorative medallion during the ceremony.
Organizers said the contest is part of broader efforts to engage local students in the upcoming America 250 celebration, which marks the nation’s 250th anniversary.
In addition to the awards, Main Street Productions of Paoli will film the winning students reading their essays. The recordings will be featured in a video presentation to be shown at future Orange County America 250 events.
The contest was sponsored by the libraries in French Lick, Paoli, and Orleans in partnership with the Orange County America 250 Committee.
