Yesterday, Vika's school received a phone call indicating that Vika has been selected as having the best penmanship among all Nebraska 5th graders in the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting contest!  She's now up for the national title among 5th graders from all US States.  If selected for this honor, she'll be competing against the other 15 winners (one each for grades 1 through 8 for both public schools, and another set for private schools) for the Grand Championship!  I believe she has excellent chances!

The national winners each receive a Nintendo DS and a $500 US Savings bond, and the grand champion receives a Nintendo Wii as well as a new computer for their classroom and a trip for 2 to Washington DC for their teacher.  Vika is obviously very excited about all of this, and I tease her that if she wins it all I expect an autograph from Obama.

Everyone keep their fingers crossed for Vika, and I'll be sure to keep this space updated with news as it happens as well as (hopefully) an image of her entry.  Film at 11!