Beech Tree News Network

A North Butler Elementary student was selected Butler County Winner in the 2013-2014 Grandparent of the Year essay contest sponsored by AARP Kentucky, the Kentucky Retired Teachers, and the Butler County Retired Teachers' Association.  Rayna Beller of Morgntown, is among thousands of Kentucky fifth graders who participated in the 13th Annual Essay competition for 2013-2014. Rayna was recognized at the meeting of the Butler County Retired Teachers.

Students submitted essays answering why "My Grandparent should be the AARP Kentucky Grandparent of the Year" to their 5th grade teachers who select the school's winner.  Butler County school winners are Beller and Mary Beth Embry, of Morgantown Elementary School. 

As the county winner, Rayna receives a framed certificate for her efforts, and the essay was submitted for district competition. She and other district winners then become eligible to participate in the state finals.  In a recognition ceremony the "Grandparent of the Year" and student are honored at the Annual KRTA Convention in Louisville in April 22, 2014.  The state winner also receives a $100 saving bond. 

The essay competition is a unique was AARP Kentucky and KRTA recognizes the significant contributions that older Kentuckians make toward shaping the lives and values of youth across the Commonwealth. Across the country and in Kentucky, an increasing number of adults 50 and over are the primary caregivers to minor children.  The 2010 census data showed nearly 87,000 grandparents in Kentucky serve as primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Almost 48,000 of these Children live in homes where the grandparent householder is responsible for them. 

The AARP Grandparent of the Year essay contest is organized by local Retired Teacher Association units and AARP Chapters, who help secure local school participation, promote the activity and serve as local contest judges.