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Three Monongalia County students were recognized August 12, for winning a statewide essay contest.

The students submitted essays about why local government, primarily county commissioners, matter.

Mason Shockley, Nick Kirchoff and Malia Richardson allowed Monongalia County to sweep the contest’s top awards.

Each was presented a certificate and cash prize before the Monongalia County Commission.

The contest encourages students to pay attention to local government.

“We’re trying to engage 8th graders, who may take an interest in local government, that could be our future county commissioners, and so it is extremely important to our future,” said Vivian Parsons, executive director of County Commissioners.

In total, 70 students from Monongalia County alone submitted essays.