Job well done to all of the students who entered the 2014 N.C. State Fair essay contest and congratulations to the winners!



The topics and 1st place winners for this years essays were:



Kindergarten through 2nd grade (Explain in 40 words or less.)

Smokey Bear is part of the N.C. Forest Service's exhibit at the State Fair. Smokey Bear is well known for saying, "Only you can prevent wildfires." Draw a picture of Smokey Bear with this saying and describe in 40 words or less something you can do to prevent wildfires.

Lila Heavner

2nd grader from Wake County, NC



3rd through 5th grade (Essay-150 words or less)

North Carolina's Farm to School program helps put North Carolina fruits and vegetables on the school lunch line, encouraging students to try new things and offering favorite local food options. Pick your favorite North Carolina fruit and favorite vegetable and describe what you like about each of them and how you like to eat them (for example, cooked as part of a recipe, raw, sliced).

Hania Kantzer

5th grader from Wayne County, NC



6th through 8th grade (Essay-500 words or less) * Must cite sources.

The Germ City exhibit at the State Fair shows fairgoers the importance of properly washing your hands to prevent the transfer of germs to foods or other things you touch. Everyone from the farm to the table has a role to play in food safety. Explain other things you or your parents can do in preparing and handling food to make sure it remains safe.

Sophia Ackerman

6th grader from Wake County, NC

9th through 12th grade (Essay 500-650 words) * Must cite sources.

Modern agricultural practices incorporate many types of technology including computers, global positioning systems and seeds bioengineered to create higher-yielding, more drought-tolerant plants. One day, drones may even play a role in agricultural production. Pick a type of technology used in agriculture today and explain how it has improved agricultural production from a financial, environmental or efficiency perspective.

Bryson Staley

12th grader from Guilford County, NC



Click here to learn more about the N.C. State Fair essay contest.