Student's essay wins statewide contest

Aaron Kurpgeweit

Aaron Kurpgeweit, a fourth grader at South School, has been chosen as one of four winners of the Chief Standing Bear Essay Contest. He is the son of Lee and Denise Kurpgeweit, who are teachers at Falls City High School and South Elementary School.

As a result of the win, Aaron and his parents will attend the 5th annual Chief Standing Bear State Commemoration Celebration on Friday, April 15. The fourth grader will read his essay on the subject "What would Chief Standing Bear do if he was alive today?" in the State Capitol Rotunda.

In the Rotunda at the Capitol in Lincoln, Aaron receives a certificate as one of four students in the state of Nebraska to win the Chief Standing Bear essay contest.

The essay winner will also receive a $50 Savings Bond and breakfast at McDonald's, the sponsor of the contest in collaboration with the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs. McDonald's will publish all essay winners on tray liners to be distributed in local restaurants.

Aaron is in the fourth grade class of Kris Ogle at South Elementary School. The essay contest was open to all fourth and fifth graders in the state of Nebraska.