Grand National Champions and Teachers Honored by Zaner-Bloser in 20th Annual National Handwriting Contest

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zaner-Bloser is proud to announce that eight students from across the country earned top honors by displaying excellent handwriting skills to become the "Grand National Champion" winners in its 20th annual National Handwriting Contest. Judges selected one student from each grade level, ranging from first to eighth grade, to represent the finest penmanship from across the country.

This year, more than 220,000 students participated in the annual contest. Zaner-Bloser estimates that more than 2.5 million students have participated in the contest during its 20-year history. Public and private schools held their own handwriting contests and entered the winning student for each grade level. The contest entries were judged according to the Zaner-Bloser Keys to Legibility: Size, Shape, Spacing and Slant.

"Each of these eight students represents the best in their grade level throughout the entire country. Zaner-Bloser is very proud of the strong handwriting skills and dedication demonstrated by each student.  We hope they inspire other children and schools to challenge themselves to reach their fullest potential in handwriting and in all their academic endeavors," said Zaner-Bloser President Bob Page.

Judges selected state winners in grades 1-8 for both public and private schools. State winners competed against each other to become one of the 16 public and private National Grade Level Winners. The National Grade Level Winners then competed to be chosen as one of eight Grand National Champions.  

The eight Grand National Champions will officially be announced at the International Reading Association (IRA) Annual Convention on May 10 in Orlando. Zaner-Bloser awards cash prizes, sponsorships and educational materials with a total value of more than $100,000 to winning students, teachers and schools who participate in the annual contest.

Grand National winners each earned $1000.00 cash and a large trophy.  Zaner-Bloser also awarded the teacher who worked with their champion student a trip to the IRA convention where the winners will be announced.  In addition, each champion school will receive $1,000 worth of Zaner-Bloser educational materials.

About Zaner-Bloser

Zaner-Bloser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Highlights for Children with more than 120 years of experience in education, is one of the premier publishers of research-based reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and handwriting programs. The Zaner-Bloser mission is to create dynamic, appealing and effective educational programs and services. Zaner-Bloser focuses on distinctive programs that inspire all students to become engaged, literate participants in the global society.

SOURCE Zaner-Bloser