ABERDEEN, S.D. – Two Aberdeen Public School District fifth graders were selected as local winners of the South Dakota Retired School Personnel Grandparent Essay Contest.
Porter Bindenagel of C.C. Lee Elementary was the first-place, overall winner for the city of Aberdeen. Eleanor Buckhouse of O.M. Tiffany Elementary was the second place winner at the city level.
Both students wrote essays about one of their grandparents for the contest, which had the theme, “Why my grandparent should be the AARP SD Grandparent of the Year.”
The winning essays at the local level were selected by the Aberdeen Area Retired School Teachers and Personnel. Aberdeen School Board member Dr. Gayle Bortnem presented Bindenagel and Buckhouse with their gold and silver awards on behalf of the AARSTP.
Both winning essays will be on display this summer at the Dacotah Prairie Museum.
“Thank you to the fifth-grade teachers for having their students take part in this contest,” Bortnem said. “Without their guidance, the students would not have this opportunity to write about their grandparents.”
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.