Essay winner

A local elementary student won an award last month for writing an essay.

Ten-year-old Aria Barnett, a soon-to-be fifth grader at East Jay Elementary and a rural  Portland resident, was named the National County Government Week essay contest winner in June. The award is given by the Association of Indiana Counties’ Northeast District and Star Financial Bank.

Aria’s entry was chosen over other entries from fourth graders across the district. Winners were chosen in each of the Association of Indiana Counties’ six districts.

Aria wrote about the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Show, detailing its history and annual happenings. (Its show this year is slated for Aug. 23 through 26.)

“It’s always really busy in town,” she noted. 

While she wasn’t initially a fan of writing, Aria said her fourth-grade teacher, Andrea Garringer, got her interested. Garringer pointed out Aria was the only student in her class to write an essay for the Association of Indiana Counties.

“She’s very intrinsically motivated. She pushes herself to do extra,” said Garringer. “I think she’s just competitive and she likes to do those things.”

Garringer recalled a story about Aria welcoming a new classmate by moving seats to sit next to him.

“She’s very … kind-hearted, upbeat,” said Garringer. “I think she just wants to be helpful.”

Lacey Barnett, Aria’s mother, explained she asked her daughter questions throughout her writing process. But she didn’t read Aria’s essay until after it had been submitted.

“I’m just proud of her, because I don’t have that confidence to get up and speak in front of people,” said Lacey

Aria also participated in an essay contest with Jay County Optimist Clubs in February.

“I really liked it,” she said. “I was a little bit more nervous that time, because it was my first speech, but I really liked it and I wanted to do it again. I think that will probably be my thing.”

Her community engagement reaches beyond essay writing. She’s the 2022 Little Miss Winterfest, having received the title during Jay County Chamber of Commerce’s Winterfest activities in December, and a member of the Jay County Summer Swim Team. She’s also a ballerina and a basketball player.

Aria loves animals, math and art, and she participates in Arts in the Park annually. She also joined the cooking club at her school this year. The owner of four cats and one dog, Aria’s goal is to be a veterinarian someday. After winning $100 for her essay, she decided to save the money for her college plans.

“I guess it just makes me feel so special about myself,” said Aria.