Optimists reward student orators

More than a dozen Wilkes County students competed in last week's Optimist Club Oratorical contest at the middle school. Winners included (front, left to right) Milton James, 1st Place Boys; Rob Lovvorn, 2nd Place; Demond Norman, 3rd Place; Dixie Lee Trimm, 1st Place Girls; Emily McNure, 2nd Place; and Rasheeda Watson, 3rd Place. Behind the students are (l-r) teacher Libby Swinson, Optimist contest coordinator Dan Coxwell, and Optimist President Jim Bennett. The students were awarded certificates and U.S. Savings Bonds for their efforts.