Florence, AZ – Pinal County Attorney James P. Walsh donated $1,100 from RICO funds to the San Tan Valley Think Tank to fund the Pinal County Scholastic Essay Contest scholarships to Central Arizona College.

“In these tough economic times we are doing our part to support the education for our children,” said James P. Walsh, Pinal County Attorney. “Higher education is an economic engine for our county and it can help attract quality jobs. I am proud to support scholastic efforts and use money seized from criminal activities in this manner.”

The Pinal County Scholastic Essay Contest was created to promote serious discussion among high school students, teachers and local leaders on science and technology in Pinal County.

The contest aims are to strengthen student's research, writing, and reasoning skills, to provide recognition for academic effort and to complement existing school curricula and scholastic activities.

Pinal County Scholastic EssayContest invited high school students from across Pinal County to write an original essay with a theme for 2012 of "How science and technology innovations will be important to sustain Pinal County over the next 100 years".

The Pinal County Scholastic Essay Contest attracted over 80 participants and provided three scholarships. First place received $500, second place $300 and third place $200. There was also an honorable mention with a $50 scholarship. CAC will match these awards dollar-for-dollar and will provide a full credit worth $75 dollars to the recipient of the honorable mention with a $50 scholarship.

The winners are:

Lee Porter, First Place – Poston Butte High School

Brianne Acselrod - Second Place – Florence High School

Hailey Felts – Third Place – Poston Butte High School

Daniel Chiriac – Honorable Mention – Florence High School

For more information call Kostas Kalaitzidis at 520 866 6699 or 520 709 1333 or email at Kostas.kalaitzidis@co.pinal.az.us