“America the Beautiful” Essay Contests Semifinalist

 Elizabeth Wilson, a  seventh-grade student at Indian Valley Middle School placed as a semifinalist in the “American the Beautiful” essay contests sponsored by Rand McNally and USA Today. Students in Mrs. Bano’s Reading class entered the contest that prompted students to use their writing skills to share with others what makes our country great.

 Geographic awareness and knowledge of world events have become critical skills in today’s 21^st Century world. Wilson’s description of her visit to Yellowstone National Park   shows her appreciation of both nature and the world around her. She was one of only 50 students in grades 7-9 across the entire country to receive the honor of placing as a semifinalist.  She will have her essay published in an “American the Beautiful” eBook on nook.com and she will receive a Nook Tablet, compliments of Barnes and Noble as her prize.