May 29th, 2009
Club honors essay winners

Winners of the elementary division essay contest. Front row, left to right: Ethan Torres, Alyssa Ashby and Isaac Romo. Back row, left to right: John Wendel, Lizzette Del Bosque, Larissa Del Bosque, Josette Hernandez and Drake Hodge.

STAFF REPORT

SERTOMA-San Marcos recently sponsored two luncheons that recognized the winners of its annual elementary and secondary school essay contest. All participants creceive hearing and speaking therapy through the San Marcos CISD (SMCISD).

The name SERTOMA stands for SERvice TO MAnkind. The San Marcos club, founded in 1975, has sponsored the essay contest since 1991. Two winners were chosen from each campus. Each winner received a $25 check and a certificate of recognition from the club.

“It’s always tough-decision time, for the essays are so inspirational,” said club member Michele Kinsey. “The kids do a tremendous job.”

One elementary student and one secondary school student were selected as the top essayists and district champions. Drake Hodge won for the elementary division and Jamie Munoz won in the secondary division. They both received additional checks of $50.

Other elementary school winners are Josette Hernandez, John Wendel, Ethan Torres, Lizzette Del Bosque, Larissa Del Bosque, Alyssa Ashby and Isaac Romo. Secondary school winners are Emi Lieber, Ruben Guevara, Dylan Pachuls, Paul Uncangco and Isaias Villalobos.

In addition to writing the essays, the students must stand before a group and read them in front of a group, practicing diction and delivery. The SMCISD speech therapists that worked with the students on their deliveries are Kirsten Ousey, Vicki Taylor, Sherry Wyatt, Claire Morris and Lisa Longobardi.

Secondary school winners. Front row, left to right: Emi Lieber, Dylan Pechuls and Ruben Guevara. Back row, left to right: Jaime Munoz, Paul Uncangco and Isaias Villalobos.