Megan Moran, a third-grader from Smithsburg Elementary School, won the American Heritage Essay Contest sponsored by the Lions Clubs of District 22-W.
In the contest, elementary-school students were to select a pre-1815 American hero and tell what he or she did to preserve America's heritage.
As part of her recognition, the Lions invited Megan and her mother, Kelli Moran, to a Smithsburg Lions dinner meeting.
After the dinner, Megan read her essay on Thomas Jefferson.
Richard Hembrock, president of the Lions Club, presented Megan with a Certificate of Accomplishment.
Megan's essay has been submitted for further recognition in District 22-W.
The district has Lions clubs in Washington, Garrett, Allegany, Frederick and Carroll counties.
