SERTOMA Awards Local Youth

More than 1,100 eighth graders from around Muskingum County got their shot to win a scholarship from the service group SERTOMA.

SEROTMA sponsors the Freedom Essay Project each year in February to coincide with students’ learning about President’s Day.

"We provided them with a copy of the U.S. Constitution or the Bill of Rights and they were to write a 300 word essay on what their freedom and responsibilities are as a U.S. citizen," said Chairman Jerry Levy.

Teachers from each school picked the 29 winners who Tuesday received a $50 scholarship.

"The Zanesville SERTOMA Club will elect an overall winner," he said. "That individual will win an additional $100 cash reward."

The overall winner is Tinh Le from Philo Junior High School.