Congratulations 2024 Sheri Capehart Animal Essay Contest Winners

By Animal Services

Posted on May 01, 2024, May 01, 2024

Winners of the 2024 Sheri Capehart Animal Essay Contest were recognized and celebrated by the Honorable Mayor Jim Ross, City Council, and the community at City Hall on Tuesday, April 23. The contest, in its 23rd year, is open to students who reside in Arlington and attend public, private, charter or homeschool.

Essay topics were new this year, focusing on wildlife and the environment. Students from third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade submitted thoughtful, informative essays.

“Our Environment is important to us and our planet,” stated Parker Nutt, in his first place, fifth grade essay. “We need to start thinking about it more with the decisions we make or else there won’t be much left our way of life and the future depends on it.”

Visit photo album of Awards Recognition Ceremony.

View Reception photos.

Click here to read the winning essays or click the links below.

Third Grade

Essay Topic: How can we coexist with wildlife?

First Place – Allison Bartholomew, Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School

Second Place – Eli Shelley, Children's University

Third Place – Michael Lisenko, Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School

Fourth Grade

Essay Topic: What is migration and why do some animals migrate?

First Place – Alexandra Ruiz Mendoza, Goodman Elementary

Second Place – Abigail Smedley, Duff Elementary

Third Place – Avery Madsen, Mary Moore Elementary

Fifth Grade

Essay Topic: How are animals affected by the environment?

First Place – Parker Nutt, Homeschool

Second Place – Nicole Celeste Perez, Burgin Elementary

Third Place – Braylee Davis, Mary Moore Elementary

Sixth Grade

Essay Topic: Which animal species is endangered from loss of habitat and what can we do to help?

First Place – Allison Johnston, Children's University

Second Place – Molly Wolz, Butler Elementary

Third Place – Adrian Perez, Wood Elementary

Each winner received a $100 savings account compliments of sponsors EECU, Spring Creek Barbeque and the City of Arlington Animal Services.
Special appreciation to former Mayor Pro Tempore and Council woman Capehart for her dedication to animal advocacy, student education and for being an inspiration to the community.

Congratulations to each of the 2024 winners!