Published: May 06, 2008 09:50 am         

Bruce Catton Historical Contest essay winners

About the contest

Juniors in Frankfort-Elberta recently participated in a Bruce Catton Historical Contest, writing essays after reading selections from Catton's "Waiting for the Morning Train." Under the direction of history teacher Dave Jackson and English teacher Mike Pratley, the students worked through imagery exercises to visualize a growing experience that depicts life in Benzie County, as Catton did in his memoir. Judges selected a Top 10: Kristy Boomer, Ryan Cedarholm, Bryan Fast, Jared Ikens, Brandon Kittleson, Alicia Moore, Brian Nostrandt, Alex Stieve, Ashley Tooley and Ben Williams, all of whom received "Bruce Catton" medals. Those judged as the top three -- Nostrandt, Tooley and Williams -- also received small stipends. The top three essays are printed here.