Write On! Historical Society Awards Annual Third Grade Essay Prizes

This article was written by Helen Ofield.

Ten young Lemon Grove scholars will receive recognition Tuesday night when the Lemon Grove Historical Society holds its 23rd Annual Treganza History Essay Competition for Third Graders. Children will be honored during Awards Night at the Lemon Grove City Council meeting, 6 p.m. in the Community Center, 3140 School Lane.

The competition was started in 1990 by Dr. Amorita Treganza, famed children's eye doctor in Lemon Grove, and a founding member and past president of the Lemon Grove Historical Society.

The third grade curriculum in the Lemon Grove School District includes the study of local history. Students wrote about Lemon Grove at the dawn of the 20th century, comparing and contrasting daily life, school, shopping, modes of work, transportation, building styles and other areas with life today.

"The writing level was exceptionally high," noted jury foreman Josie Kane.  "The school district is emphasizing English language arts as a tool not only for basic literacy, but for expressiveness in exploring topics. Melding English and history is a winning combination for the children and the faculty is doing a terrific job."

There were 117 entries from eight and nine-year-old students. And the winners are:

TIED FOR FIRST PLACE  

Justin Lomibao of Mt. Vernon Elementary, Mr. Castellanos, teacher.
Adrianna Ochoa of Vista La Mesa Academy, Mrs. Lech, teacher.

SECOND PLACE

Anna Nguyen of Mt. Vernon Elementary, Mr. Castellanos, teacher.

TIED FOR THIRD PLACE

Nevaeh Tarich of San Miguel Elementary, Mrs. Bollens, teacher.
Summer Mellott of Lemon Grove Academy, Mrs. Fripp, teacher.

HONORABLE MENTION

Najma Ade of San Miguel Elementary, Mrs. Bollens, teacher
Hannia Cabrera of Lemon Grove Academy, Mrs. Bargenquast, teacher.
Itzayana Olmos of Lemon Grove Academy, Mrs. Tatman, teacher.
Zig Soriano of Vista La Mesa Academy, Mrs. Loftis, teacher.
Kolby Sowvlen of San Miguel Elementary, Mrs. Campbell, teacher.

The winners' "goody bags" contain certificates, brief histories of Lemon Grove and the new Lemon Grove Library, and an array of gifts and healthy snacks.