Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Three Butler County students had the opportunity to share their thoughts on how "Today's Choices Shape My Future" as they shared their award-winning essays over the local broadcast airwaves.

Sattrick Rudolph, a senior at McKenzie High, Preston Thomas, an 8th grader at Greenville Middle School and Tyler Gomez, a 7th grader at Greenville Middle School were, respectively, the first, second and third place winners in the annual Butler County Optimist Club International Essay Contest.

The students read their winning essays during the Kingdom Building Broadcasting Network (KBBN) on WGYV Radio AM on Saturday afternoon, March 8. Family members and Optimist Club members were on hand for the event, along with Butler County School Superintendent Mike Looney, who spoke during the "Education in Kingdom" segment of the broadcast.

The students spoke on the many temptations and challenges they face in today's world, from drugs and promiscuity, to staying in school, striving to get an education and holding strong to their personal faith.

"We are very proud to have broadcast the event. The parents were very appreciative of the opportunity for the students to go on the radio and share something so positive concerning youth with our community. We don't always hear about the positive things the kids are doing," said Evangelist Carolyn Griffin of Warrior Ministries and KBBN.

"I believe all these kids are going to be something special in their communities. They, too, are so appreciative to the Optimist Club, the county school system and the radio station."

Rudolph's essay will go on to district level competition.

The winning essays will be posted on the website, www.warrior-ministries.org and can also be heard on the archives there.