Mehlville Students Win Environmental Essay Contest

Briana Ward from Washington Middle School and Allyssa Price from Margaret Buerkle Middle School are done with their back-to-school shopping. And they did it all for free.  

The students were among 100 middle school students from across the St. Louis region who won an essay contest sponsored by . Each winner was awarded a $100 shopping spree for school supplies and clothes.

The winners gathered at Walmart on Friday to claim their prizes.

In the essays, students explained in 100 words or less how their schools could improve the environment. 

Walmart also matched each $100 gift card with a $100 donation to KidSmart, a St. Louis nonprofit organization that empowers children in need to succeed in school by providing essential tools and supplies for learning.

After a small rally in the produce department, store manager Josh Hess presented Jennifer Miller, president of KidSmart, with a $25,000 check. The students then raced off with their carts and $100 gift cards.