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A Selma resident won an essay competition presented by the Post 5104 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Marion.

Messia E. Ellis of Selma, a graduate of Marion Academy, won the event for the third time. Ellis won $100 for finishing first.

Ellis, who was homeschooled the last few years at Marion Academy, said she was honored to land the award again. She graduated with honors, posting a 4.0 GPA.

“I’m so proud of winning the award for a third time,” Ellis said. “I feel so accomplished.”

Ellis will attend Auburn University in the Fall and plans to major in Psychology.