Five Lawrence County students have been honored in the 2009 Child of Appalachia writing contest.

Ashton Hieronimus, a fourth grader at Dawson-Bryant Elementary; Dylan Herrmann-Holt, a fifth grader at Ironton Elementary; Paige Looney, a sixth grader at Fairland Middle School; Sean Paulus, a seventh grader at Dawson-Bryant Middle School; and Hunter Schenewark, an eighth grader at Fairland Middle School, won the contest sponsored by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.

The students were asked to describe how living in Appalachian Ohio inspires them.

A winner was chosen from each grade level in the 32 Appalachian counties in Ohio. For their efforts, the students will receive a $50 student award provided by Edward Jones.

The teacher of each winning student contestant is eligible to receive a $500 grant to spend in his or her classroom on activities and items that enrich curriculum.

Teachers of the student winners are Lori Deer of Dawson-Bryant Elementary, Julie Sturgill of Ironton Elementary, Kara Speed of Fairland Middle School, and Carrie Hollard of Dawson-Bryant Middle School.