Barnwell Student Wins Back to School Shopping Spree

One St. Charles sixth grader started her back-to-school shopping on Friday after winning $100 each in a regional essay contest.

Elizabeth Conley, a student at Barnwell Middle School, was among the 100 middle school students from across the St. Louis region who won an essay contest sponsored by .

In the essays, students explained in 100 words or less how their schools could improve the environment. Conley wrote about changing light bulbs into CO2 bulbs, and having recycling bins in each classroom. She was looking for notebooks, she’s donating some binders to needy kids - had lots in her cart.

Each winner was awarded a $100 shopping spree for school supplies and clothes. The winners gathered at Walmart on Friday to claim their prizes.

Walmart matched each $100 gift card with a $100 donation to KidSmart, a St. Louis nonprofit organization that empowers children in need to succeed in school by providing essential tools and supplies for learning.

After a small rally in the produce department, store manager Josh Hess presented Jennifer Miller, president of KidSmart, with a $25,000 check. The students then raced off with their carts and $100 gift cards.