6 Thomas Sumter Academy students win national contest

Thomas Sumter Academy and the Daughters of the American Revolution recently announced that 12 TSA students won at the state level and six students won national titles in the Junior American Citizens "400th Anniversary of the Mayflower: Rise and Shine for New Opportunities in a New World" writing and art contest. TSA High School students entered the contest celebrating the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower. Local contest coordinator Linda Hawkins said, "TSA has very strong English and art programs, and so I am not surprised that success followed such a nice number of entries." The contestants competed against thousands of other students across the state and nation in the following categories: poetry, creative expression, art, photography, banner and creating a postal stamp.

Championing TSA's efforts was first-year teacher Erin Miller, who teaches Literature III, IV and High School Art. Placing a strong emphasis on the humanities, Miller also revived and revamped the school's art club and High School art program. Miller's passion for the humanities, focus on academic rigor, college preparatory writing and competition inspired students to excel. Hawkins further stated, "I credit the teachers involved for the success of these students. Their encouragement is always invaluable. I know Mrs. Miller encouraged these students."

The following students won at the state or national level in their respective categories:

National-level winners

- Catelyn Dunavant, second-place National Winner - Poster 11th-grade Honors

- Nancy Moses, first-place National Winner - Stamp 11th-grade Honors

- Lillian Lindler, first-place National Winner - Poetry 10th-grade Honors

- Logan Scruggs, first-place National Winner - Poetry 11th-grade Honors

- Abby Cox, first-place National Winner - Short Story 10th-grade Honors

- Libby Gore, first-place National Winner - Short Story 11th-grade Honors

State-Level Winners

- Emily Porter, Poetry 10th-grade Honors

- Lillian Lindler, Poetry 10th-grade Honors

- Abby Cox, Poetry 10th-grade Honors

- Nancy Moses, Stamp 10th-grade Honors

- Victoria Mann, Stamp 11th-grade Honors

- Catelyn Dunavant, Stamp 11th-grade Honors

- Ben Jun, Poem 11th-grade Honors

- Logan Scruggs, Poem 11th-grade Honors

- Matthew Hawkins, Short Story 11th-grade Honors

- Libby Gore, Short Story 11th-grade Honors

- Emily Lorincz, Poster 12th-grade Honors

- Zach Brenneman, Poem 12th-grade Honors