The Dobbins fourth-grader received an award for best in the state for his grade level.

By Denise Dick | June 11, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

POLAND — Fourth-grader Trey Medvec draws a pen over the dry-erase board, carefully forming each letter.

That’s what it takes to be a state winner in a handwriting contest.

Trey, 9, who attends Dobbins Elementary School, received the award — a certificate and a pen — earlier this year from Zaner-Bloser Educational Publishers, Columbus, besting all other Ohio entries from his grade. The company publishes educational materials for language arts including handwriting, writing, spelling, reading and vocabulary.

Trey isn’t sure what made his handwriting stand out from other entries.

“I just try to make it neat,” he said.

Dobbins students submitted handwriting for the contest, which included entries from across Ohio.

“From all of the fourth-grade entries, his was selected,” said Dobbins Principal Cheryl Borovitcky.

She delivered the news to Trey’s teacher, Elaine Morlan, who told the boy.

“I was surprised,” Trey said.

Judges examine slant, size, shape and spacing of the writing in evaluating entries and selecting a winner.

As he wrote tidbits about himself on the board, showing his cursive prowess, Trey credited his second- and third-grade teachers, Chris Roussos and Marlene Booher, respectively, with teaching him expert penmanship.

His two older brothers don’t share his handwriting talent, Trey says.

It comes kind of naturally to Trey. He doesn’t even practice at home.

“Handwriting seems to be a lost art, especially cursive writing,” the principal said.

Teachers teach the children writing with the proper slant of the letters, spacing and neatness, she said.

Trey received his award during a school assembly.

“What did you think of that assembly when you got the award with your mom in the back taking pictures?” Borovitcky asked.

Trey beamed, a big smile stretching across his young face.

“I was kind of nervous,” he said.