State Handwriting Contest names winners in four age groups

KEARNEY – Winning entries have been selected in the 26th Nebraska State Handwriting Contest. The annual activity is administered by the University of Nebraska at Kearney and endorsed by the Nebraska State Education Association and Nebraska State Department of Education.

Prizes are awarded for first and second place and sponsored by The Sequel Bookstore of Kearney. Entries were evaluated for ease of reading, fluent rhythmic movement with technically correct performance of specifications such as the slope, space, size and shape of letters. The general layout of the entry was taken into account along with neatness of presentation.

The broad appeal of the contest continues with entries from all regions of the state and in all age categories, said Julie Agard with the UNK Department of Teacher Education.

“Elementary teachers were, once again, especially supportive of the curriculum-based activity and provided a large number of entries for their age group,” she said. “Competition continues to be exceptionally keen at the upper end of the contest. The age 50 and over category always produces excellent examples of legible handwriting and this year was true to form.”

Several participants reported their ages in the 90s, Agard said.

The list of winners in each age category:

Age 12 and Under
1st – Hannah Thomson, Palmyra
2nd – Trinity Houchin, Axtell
Age 13-16
1st – Mary Nibbe, Red Cloud
2nd – Edward Lankas, Lincoln
Age 17-49
1st – Sheila Sindelar, Wisner
2nd – Julie Micheel, Crawford
Honorable Mention – Alexis Friesell, Kearney; Nicole Grubaugh, Lincoln
Age 50 and Over
1st – Jackie Buchta, Omaha
2nd – Susan Stoeger, Grand Island
Honorable Mention – Linda Hrbek, Bellevue

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Source: Julie Agard, UNK Department of Teacher Education, 308.865.8556