YOUNGSTOWN Sheridan pupils win bonds for writing on 'Laws of Life'

The contest boosts self-esteem and writing skills.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Several Sheridan Elementary sixth-graders were recently recognized during a "Saluting Excellence" banquet as finalists in a "Laws of Life" essay contest.
First-place winner James Burns won a $500 savings bond. Matthew Akers, second place, won a $200 bond. Ashley Henry, third; Erika Williams, fourth; and Tachieka Williams, fifth, each won $100 bonds. Their essays will be submitted to a state competition in August.
Seventeen other pupils received $50 savings bonds.
Sheridan guidance counselor Wanda Clark said Sheridan is the first school in the tri-county area to launch the contest, which is used at schools across the nation.
The program aims to encourage young people to reflect on and write about their own laws of life and discover their values, ideals and principles.
Of the 560 pupils in the school, 523 are eligible for free school lunches and 89 percent live below the poverty level. Clark said the contest should help youngsters develop a positive attitude and self-worth and also help pupils practice writing skills.
Sponsors of the local competition are Johnson Controls, Home Savings, Lincs Inc., JCILH McDonald's, the Council for Ethics in Education, the Committee to Elect Lock Beachum and HWL Fast Track McDonald's.