By Blake Jackson
Twenty students from across Wisconsin have been selected as state finalists in the annual Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Essay Contest.
The competition invited fourth and fifth grade students to write essays based on the theme, “Dig Into Wisconsin Soil Where Good Things Grow,” highlighting the importance of agriculture and food production in the state.
More than 1,000 essays were submitted by students representing 33 counties throughout Wisconsin. Winners from each county advanced to the state level, where they are now competing for the overall state title in their respective grade divisions.
The contest also received strong support from local agricultural organizations. A total of 51 county Farm Bureaus donated more than 900 books and educational materials to schools and libraries statewide to encourage agricultural literacy among students.
Each of the top ten finalists in both grade categories received a medal, certificate, and cash award for their achievements. State winners will be recognized during a ceremony hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection later this summer.
Additional support for the contest comes from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, Compeer Financial, the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, and AgCountry Financial.
Fourth-Grade Finalists
- Gavin Kaltenberg - Buffalo County
- Kalvin Schneider - Calumet County
- Jillian Rentmeester - Columbia County
- Clio Johnson - Dane County
- Maddison Doran - Green County
- Shelby Kelley - Juneau County
- Lauren Haun - Monroe County
- Mark Newborn - Rock County
- Kensi Hruby - Sauk County
- Everly Peissig - Taylor County
Fifth-Grade Finalists
- Adrianne Killion - Brown County
- Robynn Lindner - Calumet County
- Isla Steffes - Columbia County
- Natalya Catterson - Dane County
- Mazie Beyrer - Dunn County
- Nellie Erickson - Juneau County
- Jose Garcia Jr - Milwaukee County
- Claire Waldner - Price County
- Brody Smith - Trempealeau County
- Claire Selle - Waupaca County
Photo Credit: wisconsin-agriculture-in-the-classroom
Categories: Wisconsin, Education