Enumclaw Teen 3rd in Nation

Marina Bae Graham of Enumclaw had the No. 1 entry in the state of Washington, then placed third in the 2012 4-H national essay contest sponsored by the National Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, according to the Enumclaw Courier Herald.

The annual contest is sponsored by the American Beekeeping Federation and this year's topic was "The Results of Honey Bee Pollination in my Community."

Marina, 13, who is homeschooled and a member of the Sirius 4-H Club, was awarded a $250 check and a bee-keeping book.

Each year, 4-H members of all ages are eligible to submit an essay to their state 4-H office. States then submit one essay to the national level. Essays are judged on scope of research, accuracy, creativity, conciseness and logical development of the topic.