Worcester Preparatory School announced Hayden Wagner, a ninth-grader from Lewes, was awarded third place in a statewide writing contest sponsored by Anne Arundel Peace Action, Maryland Peace Action Education Fund, Benjamin Peace Foundation and Annapolis Friends Meeting.

Sponsored by WPS middle school English teacher Megan Leslie, Hayden submitted an essay last year in eighth grade, answering the contest question, “What role has social media played in your life?  Do you think that it has been a mostly positive or negative force – and why?  Has social media contributed to or obstructed world peace?”

Hayden’s essay was selected out of 161 entries from throughout Maryland. Along with the other winners, Hayden was recognized and received a cash prize during a recent ceremony in Annapolis, Md.