Peggy Sanders, a farm-ranch wife and writer from Oral, S.D., won first place in the 2007 Will Rogers Writing Contest.
Sanders was chosen top prizewinner in the competition sponsored by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists with her essay, “Run Amuck Ranching,” which mocks “city folk” moving to the country.
Her entry was judged the best of all submissions received in the nationwide contest to find the best example of Will Rogers' style of writing.
Second-place winner was Randall Reeder of Hilliard, Ohio, who writes a column, “Will Rogers Today.” His entry titled “Water’s Risin’” was about flooding in normally dry Oklahoma.
Reeder is a frequent visitor to Claremore and the Will Rogers Memorial Museum and was here for Will Rogers Days and the Will Rogers Days Parade.
An author from Pownal, Vt., Andrew Dequasie, won third place with “The Twenty Horse Race.” His entry took the form of a letter from Rogers to Henry Ford.
Rogers, born in Oologah Indian Territory November 4, 1879, reached millions of Americans through his stage, screen and radio performances and his newspaper and magazine writing in the 1920s and 1930s. He left a rich literary legacy when he died in a plane crash in 1935.
Steven K. Gragert, Director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museums in Claremore, served as the final judge of the contest. He complimented the quality of the entries, saying this year’s judging was “no easier in the second year.”
Cash prizes were awarded to the winners. Sanders will receive a check for $200. The prize for second place is $100 and for third place $50.
The 2007 Will Rogers Writing Contest drew entries from 18 states and submissions ranged from a wide area of the country — from California to Pennsylvania, from Colorado to Louisiana.
"The widespread response to the contest indicates a broad interest in the simple and folksy but sharp and incisive style of Will Rogers,” said Robert L. Haught, director of the 2007 Will Rogers Writers’ Workshop and contest coordinator.
“Steve Gragert is well qualified to pick the top three winners from a top10 list of entries,” he said. “He was editor of several books on Will Rogers, including the recent five-volume series, ‘The Papers of Will Rogers.’ Nobody knows the Rogers style better than he does.”
Other contestants in the top 10 included: Terry Burns, Amarillo, TX; James DeBord, Lancaster, PA; John Duncklee, Las Cruces, NM; Cathy Hall, Lilburn, GA; Cheryl Jobe, Del City, OK; Eileen Mitchell, Palatine, IL; and Mary Ramstetter, Golden, CO.