THOMASVILLE- Thomas County Middle School is proud to celebrate two outstanding young writers who are making their mark at the state level. Fifth grader Brayton Hooks has been awarded First Place for fifth grade in the State Fair Bear Creative Writing Competition, held annually by the Georgia National Fair.

This year’s contest theme, “Fair Bear is a First Responder,” challenged students across Georgia to imagine Fair Bear in heroic roles. Hooks’ creative and thoughtful story stood out among hundreds of entries, earning him statewide recognition and a $100 cash prize.

His teacher, Rena Ramirez, will also receive $150 to support her classroom, recognizing her role in nurturing Hooks’ talent and fostering a love of writing in her students.

Adding to the school’s celebration, sixth grader Simeon Sturrup placed in the Top 10 for his grade level. Sturrup is a familiar name in the competition, having won Grand Prize last year and First Place during both his fourth and fifth grade years. His continued success highlights his exceptional writing abilities and dedication to the craft.

Hooks will be honored during a special awards ceremony at the Georgia National Fair in Perry on October 4, 2025, where the Grand Prize Winner will also be revealed.

Thomas County Middle School applauds Hooks and Sturrup and all participating students for their creativity, hard work, and achievement. Their success is a testament to the school’s commitment to academic excellence and fostering the next generation of writers.

The Fair Bear Creative Writing Competition is open to third through sixth graders across Georgia and aims to promote literacy and spark imagination through themed short story writing.