Sophie Halverson has best fourth grade handwriting in the nation

After winning both the State and National levels of the annual Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest earlier this spring, East Elementary fourth grader Sophie Halverson has made history at the Waukon school by becoming its first-ever Grand National Champion. The Grand National crown means Halverson has been selected as having the best handwriting of any fourth grader in the entire nation.
Being selected from among more than 325,000 entries received from students nationally, Halverson's handwriting entry made its way to the top of the Iowa fourth grade pile and was further selected as one of 16 National Champions in fourth grade before standing alone as the top fourth grade entry in the nation this year. According to East Elementary School Principal Ann Hart, “We have had five previous state and national handwriting contest winners, but this is the first time that we have had a grand national winner! We are so proud of Sophie.”
When asked how she became so good at handwriting, Halverson simply explained, "I really practice a lot and I really had to concentrate."
The annual Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest encourages legible handwriting by testing the handwriting abilities of students in first through eighth grades whose schools use Zaner-Bloser Handwriting curricula. “Zaner-Bloser is very proud of the commitment and dedication demonstrated by these students and teachers who recognize the rewards and advantages that handwriting can offer both academically and personally,” said Zaner-Bloser President Bob Page.
At the May 16 school assembly, Halverson was presented with a $1,000 check and a large trophy. Her teacher, Thea Thies, was also awarded with a trip to the International Reading Association annual convention in Chicago, IL. East Elementary School will also receive $1,000 worth of Zaner-Bloser educational materials.
A complete list of state and national winners in the contest can be found at http://zaner-bloser.com/nationalhandwritingcontest/.