Winners Announced in 16th Annual Arlington Animal Essay Contest

By Office of Communication

Posted on February 07, 2017, February 07, 2017

With surprise visits to classrooms, Arlington city officials congratulated 12 students on Friday who penned the winning papers for this year's Arlington Animal Essay Contest. Approximately 1,320 students who attend public, charter and home schools participated in the 16^th Annual Animal Essay Contest, which is designed to promote responsible pet ownership. The contest is open to students in grades three through six who live within the Arlington city limits.

"The excitement from each school visit is a full day of joy and extreme delight," said Chris Huff, Animal Services Manager.

Each winner will receive a Kindle Fire, made possible by Arlington Professional Fire Fighters Association and the City of Arlington, along with a $100 savings account, compliments of EECU, Arlington Professional Fire Fighters Association and the City of Arlington.

Winners also received an invitation to tour Arlington's state-of-the-art Animal Services Center and to read their essays during a special event March 11. The Arlington City Council will also recognized the winners at its March 7 meeting.

Interviews of 1^st place winners will also be broadcast on the City of Arlington's YouTube channel and on the 24/7 MyArlingtonTV cable channel, found on AT&T U-verse Channel 99, Time Warner Cable on channel 16, 15.1 (digital) and internet Live-Streaming.

• Click here to see a slideshow of photos from the school visits.
• Arlington Animal Essay Contest webpage

This year's winners are:

Grade 3

Essay Topic: If you had wings, what animal or insect would you be and why?

1^st place: Amber Baines, Janet Brockett Elementary

2^nd place: Madelyn Henry, Duff Elementary

3^rd place: Braith Norton, home school

Grade 4

Essay topic: Our pets need food, water and shelter, but what more do they need?

1^st place: Kyle Crissey, St. Maria Goretti

2^nd place: Hanna Troung, Janet Brockett Elementary

3^rd place: Hayden Bellah, Little Elementary

Grade 5

Essay topic: What things should be done to improve the lives of animals?

1^st place: Payton Sheehan, Children's University

2^nd place: Macario Valencia, home school

3^rd place: Makai Saina, Moore Elementary

Grade 6

Essay topic: In 2060, how will animal shelters be different than they are today?

1^st place: Ella Trammell, Ditto Elementary

2^nd place: Fabio Torres, Butler Elementary

3^rd place: Colleen Gladbach, Butler Elementary