Photos and Story by Pam Clark

Amber Brown, runner- up, reads her winning essay to the LR Ruritan Club members and guests.

The Lower Richland Ruritan Club held an essay contest for 5th graders at Burnside Elementary School. The theme of the essay contest was "What it means to be an American."

The winners and their family members were awarded their prizes and enjoyed dinner with the Ruritans at the May 1 monthly meeting. Grand prize winner Ashley Ingram was awarded a $50 Savings Bond.

Runner Up winners Amber Brown and Diquan Day- Grant both recieved $25 savings Bond for their entry.

(l to r) Lower Richland (LR) Ruritan Vice President Lisa Dixon, essay winner Ashley Ingram, and LR Ruritan President Martha Amick