The Arlington City Council will recognize the winners of the City’s Second Annual Animal Essay Contest at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 17 in Council Chamber, 101 W. Abram St.

The essay contest was open to all public school students within the city limits of Arlington in grades 3, 4, 5 and 6. This year, judges reviewed a record 850 essays.

Essay topics were designed around educational programs presented by the City of Arlington Neightborhood Service Department, Animal Services Center and the Office of Communication Public Education Division. The contest was sponsored by District 2 Council Member Sheri Capehart, the City of Arlington, the Arlington Independent School District with donations from Dr. Allan Saxe and the Arlington Star-Telegram.

U.S. Savings Bonds will be presented to the top three winners in each category. First place winners will receive $500, second place winners will receive $350 and third place winners will receive $150.

Essay Topic: How Do You Know When You Are Ready for a Pet?

First Place: Lauren Holwager, R.F. Patterson Elementary, Kennedale ISD

Second Place: Wylie Johnson, R.F. Patterson Elementary, Kennedale ISD

Third Place: Gabrielle Hoskins, Blanton Elementary, Arlington ISD

Essay Topic: What Can You Do to Keep Your Pet From Getting Lost?

First Place: Karen Diaz, Glenn Harmon Elementary, Mansfield ISD

Second Place: Tanner Bledsoe, Ellis Elementary, Arlington ISD

Third Place: Ben Piland, Wood Elementary, Arlington ISD

Essay Topic: Why Should You Avoid Animals You Don't Know?

First Place: Camille Smith, Beatrice Short Elementary, Arlington ISD

Second Place: Dylan Dudley, Ditto Elementary, Arlington ISD

Third Place: Morgan Spearman, R. F. Patterson Elementary, Kennedale ISD

Essay Topic: What Does Responsible Pet Ownership Mean to You?

First Place: Neel H. Shah, Cross Timbers Intermediate, Mansfield ISD

Second Place: Shanda Wikoff, Williams Elementary, Arlington ISD