Mathew Johnson, a Warwick Academy student, won $1,000 for himself and another $1,000 for his school when he walked away with the top prize in annual Tom Pettit essay competition.

The competition, held at American Thanksgiving each year, sees students write on what they are thankful for. This year the seven finalists were invited to the prize presentation yesterday afternoon at Government House where the winner was announced by Premier Jennifer Smith.

Mr. Johnson, a blind student will read his entry at a special interfaith service at the Anglican Cathedral today.

Each of the six finalists received a $500 grant.

The Tom Pettit essay competition was established by Patricia Pettit in 1997 in memory of her late husband Tom. Since its inception, over $20,000 in grants have been awarded to local secondary school students.