Two Thomas County Middle School students recently placed in the top three for their respective grade-level in the 2021 Georgia National Fair Bear essay contest. Fifth-grader Ava Mares placed third in the state, and sixth-grader Emma Reeves finished in second.

The annual competition for fourth through sixth-graders asks students to write a story about an American black bear who lived from 1980-1993 in Middle Georgia near the Georgia National Fairgrounds. The bear’s path often involved crossing I-75 where it met its tragic death in 1993. It was immortalized as the Georgia National Fair’s mascot and has been the subject of their writing competition since 1994.

This year’s topic was “Fair Bear Launches Into Space” where students were asked to write a story describing Fair Bear’s entry into a contest to travel into space. Students were to describe Fair Bear’s feelings when he is announced the winner, training he must undergo, as well as things he experiences and sees while in space. 

For having a second and third place state winner, TCMS will receive a $175 prize. Mares, who is a student in Gail Trotter’s language arts class, will receive $50, and Reeves, who is a student in Laurel Johnson’s language arts class will receive $75. In addition, the girls will also receive a trip to the Georgia National Fair to accept their awards and listen as the Grand Prize Winner is announced in October.  

The winners for each grade level can be found on the Georgia National Fair’s website at https://www.georgianationalfair.com/p/georgialiving/fairbear.