Congratulations to each and every 2020 Arlington Animal Essay Contest winner!

Excitement was in the air as Council member Sheri Capehart and contest sponsors made surprise visits to eight schools on Friday, Feb. 7 announcing winners of the annual Animal Essay Contest.

This year, Wood Elementary school produced four of the 12 contest winners out of 942 entries citywide, with two of the students from Cynthia Mitchell Rohan’s Reading/Language Arts class.

“I am extremely proud of my two sixth graders that came in 1st and 3rd place in the Animal Essay contest. They worked very hard in coming up with creative ideas for the future of animal shelters. Writing this essay allowed the kids to really think about the importance of making a difference in the lives of animals at the animal shelters. All three of my classes got very involved in researching what is most needed at the animal shelters and figuring out ways to make changes that would be best for our furry friends.” - Cynthia Mitchell Rohan, Wood Elementary 6th Grade Teacher

The innovative contest, in its 19th year inspired by Council member Capehart encourages responsible pet ownership, creativity and language arts skills. Each winner will be honored with a special copy of their favorite book dedicated in their name at the Arlington Public Library.

Several new topics were introduced this year, and students citywide submitted creative essays in the competition. The contest is open to all students who attend public, charter and home schools that live in Arlington. Teachers of winning students make the contest an important part of their lesson plan each year.

This year’s winners are:

Grade 3

Essay Topic: If you could make up a holiday for animals, what holiday would it be and how would you celebrate it?

• 1st place: Noah Villagomez, James F. Delaney (Kennedale ISD)
• 2nd place: Corbin Jeffery, Bryant Elementary
• 3rd place: Ace Freeman, Wood Elementary

Grade 4

Essay topic: How do you think animals communicate with people?

• 1st place: Milania Montgomery, Mary Moore Elementary
• 2nd place: Kaliope Johnson, Corey Academy
• 3rd place: Liam Fitzpatrick, St. Joseph Catholic School (private school)

Grade 5

Essay topic: If you could make one rule for the world to follow about animals and everyone had to follow it…what would that rule be? 

• 1st place: Malek Suleiman, Cross Timbers Intermediate
• 2nd place: Miles Lewis, Wood Elementary
• 3rd place: Audrina Rangel, Mary Moore Elementary

Grade 6

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

• 1st place: Ireneo Moreno, Wood Elementary
• 2nd place: Maddie Shook, Dunn Elementary
• 3rd place: Darrion Williams, Wood Elementary

Special appreciation to EECU for awarding a $100 savings account, and Spring Creek Barbeque for donating a Kindle Fire HD as contest prizes for each winner.

Click here to see photos taken at the school visits.

Click here to visit the Animal Essay Contest website.