Et cetera : Shellsburg writer earns 2nd in Statewide VFW essay contest

Clayton Johnson received this gift from the local VFW in honor of his 2nd place essay.

Shellsburg teacher Nathanael Brandt hustles for eggs against other teachers at the assembly.

Shellsburg 4th-grader Clayton Johnson received a special gift on Friday, in honor of his 2nd place in the Iowa VFW essay class.

A student in Mrs. Walker's class, Johnson had his essay chosen as the best among fourth grade entries in the V-S contest, and later in the District judging. His essay advanced to state, where he brought home the silver medal, and a few prizes from the VFW.

Local VFW members presented Johnson a wall hanging with his essay written on it during the awards ceremony Friday morning at the school.

Below are the local results from the essay contest. Tilford students received their medals and prizes at an assembly there earlier this month.

Third grade

7th Max Janssen, Tilford

6th, Maggie Elwick, Tilford

5th Kaiden Dahl, Shellsburg

4th, Bree Swensen, Tilford

3rd Grayce McClintock, Shellsburg

2nd Dariar Schneider, Shellsburg

1st, Bree Hantz, Tilford. Bree was also First at Districts and advanced to State.

4th grade

7th Gwen Dolyn, Tilford

6th Cameron Dawson-Fink, Tilford

5th Abigail Davis, Tilford

4th Mason Coder, Tilford

3rd Gabriel Marzen, Tilford

2nd Jade Coots, Tilford

1st Clayton Johnson. He was also 1st at District and 2nd among all 4th grade writers in the State competition.

Fifth grade (Shellsburg)

9th Abby Bartz

8th Zoe Mohr

7th Isabel Mullinex

6th Abigail Elwick

5th Hannah McGowan

4th Kaden Kingsbury

3rd Kay Fett

2nd Morgan Lang

1st Emma McDaniel. She was also 1st at Districts.

See photos of the students with VFW members by clicking the links below:

Shellsburg

Tilford