An eighth grade student at Madison Middle School, Nicole Biddinger isn't short on accolades and accomplishments.
She recently won the 2008 Heritage Week Essay Contest crown for the North Central Region. Having entered the contest through Emily Trivette's social studies class, she is now due to take part in a 2008 Heritage Week awards ceremony on Monday in Oklahoma City, where her accomplishment will be recognized.
Biddinger won the 2007 Delta Kappa Gamma Essay Contest and, as a reporter with Madison 's new school newspaper the Bruin Express, she interviewed Bartlesville mayor Tom Gorman earlier this year.
The annual Heritage Week competitions are offered by the Oklahoma Heritage Association, which works to preserve Sooner State history while promoting Oklahoma pride as well. The competitions are for fourth through 12 th graders, with fourth through sixth graders competing in poster contests, seventh through ninth graders taking part in an essay contest and 10 th through 12 th graders displaying their skills in a poster/essay contest. The competitions are held each year prior to statehood week, which takes place in November.
The eventual winners are honored with commendations from the Oklahoma governor's office. State and regional awards are handed out in each category. Some winners receive cash awards.
A reporter with Madison Middle School's new newspaper – the Bruin Express – Nicole Biddinger interviewed Bartlesville mayor Tom Gorman earlier this year.