INEZ — Fifth-grade students at Inez Elementary School recently participated in the annual AARP Grandparent of the Year essay contest.

Mrs. Bethany Howard and Mrs. Jessica Dye facilitated the contest and announced the school’s top three essayists.

Both teachers expressed their pride in the students’ efforts and creativity. To ensure a fair selection process, they removed student names from the essays and enlisted several teachers to grade them.

The final results were as follows:

First place: Kayden McCoy

Runner-up: Jayce McCoy

Third place (tie): Graycee Harless and Paisley Mooney

“We are very proud of our fifth-grade class and the progress they are making in writing,” said Inez Elementary Principal Amanda Fields. She praised the contest as a wonderful way to celebrate the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

The contest is organized by the Retired Teachers Association and supported by AARP.

Winners from the school level will advance to compete at county, regional and state levels.