Thomas Hanson

RAPID RIVER — The Town & Country Study Group of Rapid River NVON National Volunteer Outreach Network (formerly MAFCE) has announced the winners for its Character Counts art and essay contest. The participants are fourth-graders from the Rapid River School District, which includes homeschooled students. The contest is based on a “Character Counts Pillar of Learning Word.” This year’s word was “respect.”

The first place county and state winner is Thomas Hanson, who is homeschooled and is the son of Elizabeth and Darryl Hanson of Gladstone. The second place winner for Delta County is Victoria Coppock, and third place goes to Bobby Micheau. Both Coppock and Micheau are from Mrs. Sovey’s class.

The contest involves an essay and artwork expressing the meaning of the year’s selected word. There are strict guidelines for both the essay and the artwork that are submitted. Cash prizes are awarded.

The organizers would like to congratulate the winners and thank all the students who participated.