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3 Winning Student Essays Chosen For Arbor Day Essay Contest

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Three South Dakota students topped more than 1,500 others in the Arbor Day Essay Contest.

Matea Gordon, of Whitewood, Madison Hofer, of Dolton, and Kennedy Mayelin, of Mount Vernon, won awards and cash.

As the first place winner, Matea received a plaque, $100 and a McDonald’s lined jacket; her school, Sturgis Elementary, will receive $150 for the purchase of supplies or equipment. Madison was the second place winner and received a plaque and $75. Kennedy receives a plaque and $50 for her third place essay.

The contest is sponsored by South Dakota’s conservation districts, McDonald’s restaurants of South Dakota and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. It provides fifth and sixth grade students the opportunity to write about the importance of tree planting.

Arbor Day is April 24.