Arlington's 2015 Animal Essay Contest winners were recognized at the evening session of City Council for March 3, 2015.

The winners were also recognized at a reception with refreshments before the evening City Council meeting by Arlington Council Member Sheri Capehart.

Last month, Council member Capehart, with an entourage of city officials, made personal visits to classrooms to surprise and congratulate the 12 winning writers.

The selection process for the top 12 winning essays was a challenge, with so many great entries.

The ones that rose to the top were remarkably well focused, organized, and developed.

In the quest to compose a winning essay, at least two of the young writers performed research by visiting the Animal Services' Center to gather information about shelter operations.

Each winner received contest prizes including a $100 savings account awarded by EECU and Beacon E&P, and Kindle Fire HD compliments of Beacon E&P.

You can find a full list of winners for the 2015 Animal Essay Contest here.