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Waurika Student Wins Honorable Mention in Statewide Essay Contest

Jake Boren, a junior at Waurika High School, won one of two $250 Honorable Mention prizes in the Kerr Center's annual essay contest for Oklahoma high school juniors and seniors.

The subject of the 2008 contest was “The Value of Locally Grown Foods.”

Piedmont High School junior Mallory Irwinsky won the first place prize of $750.

Jake McClure, a junior at Lawton High School, took the $500 2nd place prize.

The second Honorable Mention award went to Felisha Yoder, a senior at Thomas High School.

Students expressed an appreciation of the potential health, environmental, and economic benefits of locally grown foods.

In his prizewinning essay, Jake Boren wrote: “Locally grown food can provide a community, and even an entire country, with independence and security by providing a reliable food source.”

“These fresh foods provide health benefits and their availability provides communities with a sense of accomplishment.”

“From helping ensure the future of our planet by lowering harmful emissions from delivery trucks, to preserving the heritage of rural towns, locally grown food is a valuable part of our world.”

The Kerr Center received over 200 entries from around the state, from schools large and small, urban and rural, said Anita Poole, contest coordinator.

A panel of independent judges chose the winners.

“The essays were excellent and covered the major aspects of the value of locally grown food,” said judge Chris Kirby.  “Good work to all those that entered the contest!”

This year’s theme was chosen because of the rapidly growing interest in locally grown foods in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma is making great strides in expanding local food sources, with such programs as Farm to School, farmers’ markets, Tulsa’s “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” campaign, and the Oklahoma Food Cooperative.

Proponents say a more local food supply can relieve hunger, stimulate economies, improve nutrition, reduce obesity and revitalize communities.

“I hope that the essayists will continue their study and debate about local foods to ensure a more sustainable future,” said Poole.

The annual Kerr Center essay contest, open to high school juniors and seniors, is designed to include young people in a thoughtful discussion of contemporary food and agricultural issues.

Winners receive cash awards.  Contest information is sent out each January to all high schools in the state.

Past themes have included the potential for farm-to-school programs, and sustainable agriculture issues. Winning essays from past contests can also be read online.

The 2008 winning essays, along with a wealth of resources on local foods, are available at www.kerrcenter.com.

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