Ned Rose, a seventh grader at Peasley Middle School, was the winner of the first Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association Middle School Writing Contest.  Rose was honored at TOGA’s annual meeting on Saturday at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, where he read his winning essay to the more than 80 attendees at Watermen’s Hall.

Rose received a check for $150, an oyster float to start growing oysters, and a TOGA cap and T-shirt.

“My parents and grandparents helped me find some of the information in the essay,” said Rose. “I’ve always been very interested in nature, and the oyster is a truly fascinating animal.”

Terry Lewis, a board member of TOGA and essay contest chairman, said the essay was an outstanding piece of work. “Ned’s parents and grandparents should be very proud of this fine young man, not only for his writing but for his exceptional composure and presentation while reading his essay. I hope w...