WARTA, AARP/KRTA recognize James Jones for Grandparent of the Year essay

James Jones, one of only 14 District winners in the AARP/KRTA Grandparent Essay contest, displays the plaque and $50 award he was presented by AARP Kentucky.

At the March meeting, the Whitley Area Retired Teachers Association (WARTA) had the privilege of recognizing James Jones, son of Edna and Scott Jones and a 5th grade student at Whitley East Elementary School, as winner of the 2018-2019 AARP / KRTA Grandparent of the Year essay competition.

James was given the opportunity to read his winning essay and was presented with a check for $25. In addition, it was announced that his winning essay had been selected by the Upper Cumberland Retired Teachers Association (UCRTA) as winner at the district level making him eligible for state recognition. Sherry Skaggs and Paula Adams, co-presidents of UCRTA, were on hand to congratulate James and present him with a certificate of achievement.

Presenting a certificate of achievement to James Jones, winner of the Upper Cumberland Retired Teachers Association AARP Grandparent of the Year” contest is Co-Presidents Paula Adams, left and Sherry Skaggs, right.

In a letter dated April 5, 2019, James was notified by AARP KY that although he was not a winner at the state level, he is being congratulated as one of only 14 students, out of thousands who entered, to reach this level. For this outstanding achievement, AARP Kentucky and KRTA have presented James with an engraved plaque and a check for $50.

For a young man from Whitley County this is quite an accomplishment and the Whitley Area Retired Teachers Association extends congratulations to James, his family, and Whitley East Elementary School, especially Principal Mike Partin and his 5th grade teacher Shannon Taylor. Both Mr. Partin and Ms. Taylor stated James is an excellent student and they are really proud of him and his achievement.

The Whitley Area Retired Teachers’ Association (WARTA) is pleased to participate in this contest that honors the contributions made by grandparents and to recognize and applaud the writing skills of local students.