GV 8th grader wins 3rd place in national contest

By DORIS COOK - Staff Writer
Star Beacon

May 03, 2008 12:30 am

— ORWELL — Ashley Dillon, an 8th grader in Grand Valley Middle School’s gifted reading program, didn’t believe her hand-drawn cartoon had a chance to win in a national contest. Gifted reading program teacher, Ann Richards, sent all the students’ drawings in to the News Current 2008 contest for a third year hoping to have a winner, according to principal Lowell Moodt.
“I didn’t expect my drawing of an editorial cartoon was that great. Our principal came into the class this week to tell us I won. It was cool,” Ashley said smiling.
“My theme depicted the Generation XYZ, which is my age and those in their 20s and 30s, must be responsible for helping the Baby Boomers. Our class entered this same contest for two years, but no one has won. We had to pick a theme from something in current news,” she said.
A straight “A” honor student, Ashley said, “Copies of my poster were put around the school. It is sort of embarrassing when kids come up to congratulate me. I think I get a savings bond, but I’m not sure.”
She is the daughter of Mike and Denise Crum of Orwell Township. Ashley has a sister and two brothers, who also attend Grand Valley schools.
Besides keeping her studies up, Ashley enjoys outdoor sports, going on nature walks and swimming in her spare time. She is already thinking about college after graduating with the Class of 2012.
“I would like to do something with animals and science, but I haven’t really decided what. Winning the contest as 3rd in the nation is pretty good,” she added.
Moodt said he was very proud the middle school has a winner this year.

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