The Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom essay contest has selected Eleanor Jones-Sato, a fourth-grade student from Janesville, and also Bree Stalsberg, a fifth-grade student from Fennimore, as state winners. Wisconsin fourth and fifth graders were asked to write a 500-word essay with the theme, “Wisconsin Agriculture is Fruit-full!”
Eleanor Jones-Sato is the winner of the fourth-grade contest. Her teacher is Jennifer Nowotony at Roosevelt Elementary School in Janesville in Rock County. Bree Stalsberg is the winner of the fifth-grade contest. Her teacher is Emily Kamps at Fennimore Elementary School in Grant County.
Wisconsin agriculture is an integral part of our state’s history, economy and culture. These are all important learning standards in both fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms,” said Beth Schaefer, Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator. “Teachers and Agriculture in the Classroom volunteers work to ensure the annual essay contest supports and encourages students to learn about the critical role that agriculture plays in daily life so that students build an awareness and understanding of the food and fiber they use every day. This year’s winners did an outstanding job researching and writing about Wisconsin fruits. We are excited to honor these talented young writers.”
Each year Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom program hosts an essay contest to engage students in writing, reading and research through the context of food and agriculture. Judges evaluated essays based on content, grade-appropriate writing benchmarks, and also creativity. This contest is open to all fourth- and fifth-grade students across the state.
WE Energies, Fork Farms, and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation sponsored the competition, with over 1,400 students writing essays.
County, district, and state judges evaluated essay entries, encountering stiff competition in each division. They selected nine district winners who became state finalists and were awarded a prize package including a medal and gift certificate. The state winner also received a plaque and prizes valued at over $250.
