Vina seventh-grader’s essay nets $2K for school

Seventh-grader Kaitlyn Athey and her classmates celebrate a $2,000 Coca-Cola grant for Vina High School.

Seventh-grader Kaitlyn Athey and her classmates celebrate a $2,000 Coca-Cola grant for Vina High School.

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Seventh-grader Kaitlyn Athey and her classmates celebrate a $2,000 Coca-Cola grant for Vina High School.

Seventh-grader Kaitlyn Athey and her classmates celebrate a $2,000 Coca-Cola grant for Vina High School.

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Sarah Jane Hattaway, Vina English teacher, assigned all of her English classes from grades seven through 12 to write essays for Powerade’s Power Your School Essay Contest in September.

Kaitlyn Athey, a seventh-grader, was not only chosen as the winner of her school but also the winner out of the state.

Hattaway said Athey was excited and surprised as she accepted a check for 10 percent of the award winnings.

The remainder of the award was put toward new Google Chromebooks for Hattaway’s English classroom. “These computers provide so many amazing learning opportunities for my students,” Hattaway said.

Principal James Pharr also noted the benefit to students.

“I am so thankful Powerade gave us the opportunity. This will benefit students for years to come,” Pharr said.

Hattaway said she hopes this recognition of Athey and last year’s winner Tristan Moomaw will encourage other students to participate in writing contests and improve their writing skills.