Plaza third grader's story judged one of the best

When it comes to agriculture, kids are learning about the real world in their classrooms.

They also learn from parents and other mentors in the community, according to Plaza Elementary School teacher Jennifer Limberg.

Her third-grade student, Finn Bly, was Glenn County's only regional winner of the 2011 Imagine This writing contest.

The writing contest is sponsored by California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, a program designed to help young students learn and write creatively about agriculture.

"Out of thousands of stories submitted, Flinn's was one of the top eight stories in the entire state," Limberg said. "It is a remarkable achievement."

Finn, 9, is the son of Brian and Aimee Bly of Orland.

His story, "How the Wasps Saved the Walnuts," tells how wasps saved a Glenn County farmer's valuable crop by eating the larvae of a brown codling moth, which hatched into worms and were attacking the walnuts.

Although Finn had been notified earlier about his win, Limberg surprised him with his plaque on Friday in front of his fellow students, who will have the opportunity to enjoy the resource material on agriculture that Limberg received for her classroom.

"It feels pretty good to win," said Bly, who has done what only a few young people have done — imagined his world surrounded by agriculture and put it into words.

Bly said his father served as his inspiration for his story, and that both parents have helped him with his writing skills ever since he started school.

Plaza Superintendent Grant Sandro and Bly's parents attended the presentation.

Limberg, who has an agriculture background, has produced several "Imagine This" winners in recent years.

"The contest is a great way for kids to learn about agriculture, and work on their writing skills at the same time," Limberg said.

Limberg's goal is to help her students gain an understanding of how agriculture provides the daily essentials necessary for society and the world to function.

Her same students will be eligible to compete in the writing contest next year when in the fourth grade.

State winners will have their stories published.

"I'm going to try to win next year," said Matt Freitas, one of Limberg's best writers.

Freitas said his father, Fred Freitas, was the inspiration for his story, which was one of the five outstanding classroom stories submitted.

Limberg is eligible to submit only five stories to the contest each year.

Only two stories from each grade level in each of the four regions are chosen for recognition and awarded.

CONTACT Susan Meeker at 934-6800 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.