The results are in! The 2019 South Carolina Wildlife Essay Contest top five entries have been selected, and Gracie Howard of Leesville has secured first place with her essay “Perilous Beauty.”

The top five essays have been published on SouthCarolinaWild.org, South Carolina Wildlife’s digital magazine for college and high school students. The first place winner of the essay contest receives a $250.00 prize, made possible by Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund, and the essay will appear (in print) in South Carolina Wildlife magazine this fall.

College and high school students from across the state participated in the 2019 outdoor writing contest. Their inspiring stories showcase the Palmetto State’s natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities.

The top five essays may be viewed on SouthCarolinaWild.org, and the authors are listed below in alphabetical order:

Kassie Burkett
Life as an HGTC Wildlife Student
Lexington

Madison Greer
Turkey Hunting Essay
Anderson

Gracie Howard
Perilous Beauty
Leesville

Caleb Reeder
Wondering in Wanderings
Fountain Inn

Emily Thigpen
The Rising Sun and the Rise of a Hunter
Manning

Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, South Carolina Wildlife magazine is the flagship publication of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. South Carolina Wild is SCW‘s digital magazine for college and high school students. For more information about this contest, visit: SouthCarolinaWild.org