Cheers were shared – and a few tears were shed – as the Fountain Hills Coalition recently hosted an awards ceremony for its annual high school essay contest.

The School District’s Learning Center was abuzz with activity as students, parents, teachers, administrators and coalition members gathered to await results.

This year’s contest attracted 171 essay entrants, and Nataly Gruender walked away with the grand prize of $1,000 for her winning essay entitled “A Letter under the Door.”

Taking second place with a $200 prize was McKenna McCue, while Noah Ohnsorg’s essay took the third spot, earning him a $100 check.

“We are extremely pleased to have received 171 essays for this year’s contest,” said Shelly Mowrey, executive director of the coalition, which fights drug abuse and underage drinking among youths.

“The teens really poured out their hearts and souls in these. They are well beyond their years…

“And it’s only appropriate we hold this ceremony around Valentine’s Day, because this will touch your heart.”

Students could choose from among the following three questions to write an essay:

1. The parent-teen relationship is not always easy. Share any thoughts on how you feel either you or your parent(s) could improve this relationship.

2. Many families face addiction struggles. Share an experience where addiction has impacted you, your family or a friend. What do you feel can be done to help?

3. We live in an often stressful world, both globally and personally. What activities and actions do you engage in that bring you personal peace? In what way does this help?

In addition to the top three winners, another 14 high schoolers were recognized as honorable mention winners and awarded $50 each.

Those teens included Gabriel Anderson, Ashley Beck, Amara Feyrer-Melk, Maddy Key, Ashley Knox, Katelyn McErlean, Brynn Oberhellman, Emily Pall, Dominique Petitti, Brittney Quintana, Darien Redendo, Mitchell Schurz, Davis Smith and Bobby Tegland.

Excerpts were read from many of the honorable mention essays, and the top three winners were invited to read their essays aloud to the supportive crowd.

Not all chose to publically read their essays, however, due to the personal nature of their stories.

School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sweeney told the crowd that the coalition is a positive influence in the community.

“It’s a very special set-up here in town with the coalition and the many sectors supporting prevention efforts.

“It really is special we can all come together for the same purpose.”

Title sponsor of the essay contest this year was the Verne C. Johnson Family Foundation.

Gold level supporters of the contest were Kent Martinson of OnQ Financial, The Times, Tait Elkie of the Fountain Hills Law Firm, Phil’s Filling Station, Christopher Peer, CPA, Dr. Dana Weinreich, DDS, Redendo’s Pizzera, Stephenie of Sami Fine Jewelry, and Dori Wittrig of Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate.

Silver level sponsors were UMB Bank (formerly Meridian) and Stop & Go Driving School.

Redendo’s Restaurant donated the food for the awards luncheon.

All essay contest participants received a free Frosty courtesy of Jesse Vezey of Wendy’s on Shea Blvd.

Contest judges were former FHUSD Superintendent Dr. Marian Hermie, speaker and author Jerry Traylor, Mayor Linda Kavanagh and Times Editor Ryan Winslett.

The coalition’s mission is: Through community-wide collaboration, Fountain Hills will work together to reduce substance abuse among youth.

Information: fhcoalition.org or on its Facebook page.