Connie Johnson, a seventh grader at Thomas Hunter Middle School took fourth place in the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association (TOGA) Middle School Essay Contest. Johnson received a cash prize and a TOGA T-shirt and cap, awarded at Jan. 9 annual TOGA membership meeting at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, Gloucester Point.

“This year we had an extremely competitive contest with essays submitted from across the state of Virginia,” said TOGA vice president Terry Lewis, who also served as contest chairman. “Connie should be very proud to receive this award, as should the area community,” he said.

Johnson read her essay to the more than 125 TOGA members assembled in the auditorium. She was accompanied by her parents and THMS science teacher Jerry Ligon.

TOGA is again sponsoring the contest, which is open to all Middle School Students in Virginia. Prizes for the next contest will be $150, $100, and $50 for the top three essays, plus other oyster gear. Mo...