Several local students will receive honors for their essays as part of Public Schools Week sponsored by the Masons of Arizona. The annual observance takes place in November as students from all over the state write essays on various topics. Local winners were announced in December and then those winning essays are sent off for judging statewide. The essays of nine students from the Holbrook school system were rewarded at the state level. Second grader Adriana Berger won third place and $25 for her essay, “Learning.” Her teacher is Leland “Bubba” Billie at Park Elementary School. Megan Haussman, a sixth grader at Holbrook Junior High School, won second place and $50 for her essay, “Improvements in School I Would Make.” Her teacher is Susanne Berger. Trina Tom, a seventh grader at HJHS, took third place and $50 for her essay, “If I Were In Charge of My School What Changes I Would Make.” Her teacher is Virginia White. MaKenna Romo, a freshman at Holbrook High School, took first place and $100 for her essay, “Media: How They Influence You.” Her teacher is Michele Means. Andon Hatch, a freshman at HHS, took second place and $75 for his essay, “Negative Media.” His teacher is Michele Means. Jordan Simpson, a freahman at HHS, took third place and $50 for her essay, “Media Isn’t Everything, We Do Have a Life to Live.” Her teacher is Kelly Buckwalter. Kylie Koerperich, a sophomore at HHS, took second place and $75 for her essay, “Portraying Media.” Her teacher is Erik Carlson. Erin Aragon, a junior at HHS, took third place and $50 for her essay, “Part-Time.” Her teacher is Kelly Buckwalter. Michaela Faust, a senior at HHS, took third place and $50 for her essay, “Technology and the Media.” Her teacher is Faith Caffey. Their awards will be presented at the Holbrook School District Governing Board meeting scheduled ay 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8. The Masons of Chalcedony Lodge No. 6 are the local sponsors of the essay contest, and they appreciate the dedication, assistance and commitment the teachers, principals and administrators of the Holbrook School District offer their students.