March 11, 1998

Columbia  --  Lt. Governor Bob Peeler presented the 1997 Lt. Governor's Writing Awards to fifth and eighth graders from across the state during a morning ceremony in Godbold Auditorium on the Columbia College Campus. Students representing each of the forty-six counties in both public and private schools competed in this year"s contest. Out of over 110,000 participants, 189 were selected as winners. A crowd of almost 1000 proud parents, family members, and teachers joined the award winning students for Wednesday"s event.

"This is an excellent way not only to recognize these students for their superb writing, but to encourage and foster the development of their unique talents," said Lt. Governor Bob Peeler. "Regardless of the career paths these young people choose, writing will play a major role in their lives. Whether it is something as complicated as drafting a contract or as simple as keypunching an e-mail, the skills they acquire now will work for them well into the future."

Each participating class in the state submitted three winning compositions and one school winner was selected for each grade to be judged in the area competition. Judging panels representing parents, teachers, and the business community selected the winners.

The writing awards program was begun during the administration of Lt. Governor Nancy Stevenson to encourage students to express themselves through an essay competition. Because of the success of the program, every lieutenant governor since that time has continued it. Just two years ago, Peeler opened the competition to private schools to give all South Carolina fifth and eighth graders a chance to participate. In 1997, Peeler unveiled a three day, tuition-free summer workshop for all writing awards winners.

Topics for this year's competition included: "What do you think makes a person a hero?", "When I grow up I want to become...", "Persuade someone to visit you part of the state", "How do you feel about the new law that requires 15 year olds to complete a driver"s education program?", "If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?", "If you could make a change in your community, what would you do and why?", "What do you hope to be remembered for during your lifetime?", "Eighth graders should be able to make their own decision about... because...".

Concluded Peeler, "I salute each and every one of our winners. I am proud to be your Lieutenant Governor, and I look forward to seeing you and reading more of your writing this summer."