Several Hamblen County school employees and students who submitted writing entries in the Utrust Make A Difference writing competition this year earned accolades for their work.

Entries came from across the state, but it was Union Heights Elementary student Madison’s story “The Tornado Difference: A Whirlwind of Change” that won the writer $250.

Entries were to be about a school employee who makes a difference in the lives of students, staff and community. Her winning entry was about Union Heights Principal Chuck Carter. She writes about how much of an impact the principal has made in his year and a half at the elementary school.

The competition was created to find and recognize school employees who do an outstanding job and go the extra mile for its school system. Utrust received a stack of entries from Hamblen County that recognized school employees.

Other winners included:

“The List” by Dr. Julia Price of Alpha Elementary featuring custodian Dawn Barker

“My Inspiration” by student Dhilan of Manley Elementary featuring Dr. Dale Lynch

“Mr. Jack Hartman” by student Emily of Manley Elementary about the school crossing guard

“School Employee that Touched My Life” by student Peyton l of Meadowview Middle School who wrote about her mother, teacher Carolyn.

“Hope Blooms” by Roxana, Meadowview student about her teacher at Hillcrest, Marian Hodson.

“The writing competition is part of our Employee Development and Appreciation Program,” according to Utrust Administrator Dr. Dan Tollett. “It resulted in hundreds of stories written about school employees that otherwise might not have been written.

“The stories will be added to our Make a Difference Library at the Utrust to inspire employees for years to come. The library will include videos and stories about school employees who have made a difference in the lives of students.”

The program also provides assistance to local school boards, superintendents and principals in honoring their employees on special appreciation days throughout the year.

Utrust is a statewide organization that promotes recognition, appreciation and development.