PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — An essay on living in rural Maine and a picturesque nature photo earned two local youth first-place awards in contests marking the state’s bicentennial year.
As part of Presque Isle’s bicentennial celebration, the city held two contests. Presque Isle High School students were asked to write a 500-word essay with the theme of “Maine leads,” discussing a challenging aspect of state or local history, what they learned from it, and how that knowledge can positively shape their future.
Junior Breanna Wasson from Castle Hill penned the winning essay with a unique take on living in a rural area and how the population has changed here over the last 200 years. Breanna received $100 and a blue ribbon for her first-place essay.
Presque Isle Middle School students were asked to submit a photograph representing what Maine means to them, along with a one sentence explanation of the photo.
The winning entry was submitted by Alexander Wasson, who happens to be Breanna’s brother. Alexander, a sixth-grade student, submitted a color photograph from a high elevation looking out over a picturesque lake and forest. He indicated that living in Maine made him think of “uninhabited forests, scenic four-wheeler trails, hiking trails, and lots of moose, and made him think of spending days in nature.
Of course, the moose is the Maine state animal. Alexander received $50 and a blue ribbon for his entry.
The winners are the daughter and son of Kevin and Beth Wasson of Castle Hill.
They received their winnings prior to a City Council budget hearing on Nov. 5.
