The Lawrence County Retired Teachers Association conducted its annual writing contest, which was open to all fifth grade students in Lawrence County.

The theme was “How will a classroom 20 years from now differ from classrooms today?”

Language arts teachers at the schools introduced the theme and rules of the contest to their students. The teacher selected the two best entries to send to the writing contest committee.

The first place winner was Kennedy Persinger, of Fairland West Elementary, whose teacher is Ashley Sullivan. She won $50, a trophy, a first place ribbon and a certificate.

Second place went to Ryleigh Lake, of South Point Elementary, whose teacher was Julie Phillips. She won $35, a second place ribbon and a certificate.

Third place went to Molly Dunlap, of Fairland West, who won $25, a ribbon and a certificate.