Patriots’ Hall Association and the Oconee County Veterans Council sponsored an essay contest in honor of Memorial Day 2008. The contest theme was “What Memorial Day Means to Me.”

All Oconee County students in grades 4 through 12 who attend public, private or parochial schools were eligible to enter.

Students competed in one of three divisions, based on grade level: elementary school grades 4 and 5; middle school grades 6 through 8 and high school grades 9-12.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winning essays in each of the divisions will receive the following: 1st Place: $100 Savings Bond; 2nd Place: $50 Savings Bond and 3rd Place: Commemorative Plaque.

Judging was conducted by Patriot’s Hall and the winners are listed below:

Elementary School Winners:

2nd Place: Justin Woodard/Keowee Elementary 5th Grade — $50 Savings Bond

3rd Place: Devynn Bryson/Keowee Elementary 5th Grade — Commemorative Plaque

Teacher: Tammy Garland

Middle School Winner:

1st Place: Sawyer Gambrell/West-Oak Middle 7th Grade — $100 Savings Bond

Teacher: Keith Wilkes

High School Winners:

1st Place: Leanna Hendricks/Walhalla High 11th Grade — $100 Savings Bond

2nd Place: Josh Honea/Walhalla High School 11th Grade — $50 Savings Bond

Teacher: Mark Welch

The public is cordially invited to hear the essays presented by the winners at the Oconee County Veteran’s Council annual Memorial Day ceremony to be held on Monday, May 26 at noon at the Oconee County Courthouse.