Black Hawk Student Wins National FCE Contest

 Black Hawk Student Wins National FCE Contest

By Kevin Fox

“I was really surprised when I received the letter saying that my artwork had won at the national level! And when I called and told my teacher, Mrs. McAfee I think she was crying on the phone she was so happy for me. It was just great!” stated Hannah Troy.
Hannah Troy who was a 4th grader last year when she entered the Clark County FCE (Family and Community Education) Essay and Artwork Contest. The purpose of the contest was to promote ethics among children using “Six Pillars of Character”, to encourage students to improve their writing and drawing skills and to create public awareness in the achievement of students.” The Character Counts theme for 2008 was “Respect” and 4th graders from public, private or home schools from all over the country competed.

Hannah’s artwork is very unique in that it’s a drawing of her room with Hannah looking in a mirror. She explained how she came up with the idea, “I drew a picture of myself looking into a mirror, because I must learn to respect myself to accomplish respecting others. Respect is feeling good about myself, and knowing that I am unique and valuable.

Respect is also listening to my parents and respecting my elders.”
Hannah’s artwork took first place in Clark County, which besides a certificate also earned her $5.00. From there, Hannah’s artwork went up against 4th graders from the N.E. District of Missouri that included Clark, Knox, Adair and Randolph counties. Upon winning that competition, she was placed in the state level competition where she won that as well. Her artwork was entered in the National Contest and at the end of July she received word that she had won, but was not allowed to release it until a later date. For taking first place in the national competition Hannah won a $500 Savings Bond.

Hannah is the daughter of Matt and Jennifer McDaniel of Kahoka and Bud Widland and Dara Wofford of University Place, Washington.