ST. PAUL-Two Brainerd-area students were named winners in U.S. Sen. Al Franken's fifth annual student poetry contest honoring Minnesota veterans, Franken's office announced Thursday.
The theme of this year's contest was "Celebrating the Veteran in My Life."
The two, Autumn Paulus a student at Forestview Middle School in Baxter, and Mallori Headley, a student at Riverside Elementary School in Brainerd were honored recently at a special reception at Franken's St. Paul Senate Office. Autumn's poem, entitled "Grandma" and Mallori's poem, entitled "I AM," will be displayed in the office.
Because Mallori's poem won first place in the elementary age group she received a signed book from renowned Minnesota author Garrison Keillor.
The contest, which recognizes both the "Month of the Military Child" and "National Poetry Month" is designed to help thank Minnesota families for their sacrifices while a loved one serves in the military. It was open to students in elementary, middle school and high school age groups.
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Contest judges included Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard Major General Richard Nash, Minnesota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Larry Shellito, Minnesota Commissioner of Education Dr. Brenda Cassellius and Minnesota Poet Laureate Joyce Sutphen.
