ALI HENDERSON Beautiful misery recently turned into extra spending money for Corinth Elementary fifth grader Ali Henderson.

Henderson received $20 when her poem "Beautiful Misery" was chosen as the elementary school winner for the Southern Sampler 2007. She received the cash and a certificate when her writing was selected to be published in the annual publication of the Olde English Consortium.

The Southern Sampler features poetry and short stories from students in all grade levels in districts that are members of the Olde English Consortium. Members include the Cherokee, Chester, Clover, Fairfield, Fort Mill, Lancaster, Rock Hill, Union and York school districts.

An elementary, middle and high school winner was chosen to be recognized as part of the Southern Sampler publication. The Olde English Consortium serves more than 70,000 students.

"Ali is a very talented student in her writing and the performing arts," Corinth Elementary Principal Brenda Sharts said. "She has appeared in several plays produced by The Gaffney Little Theater."

Henderson was recognized at the Oct. 8 school board meeting. She received a certificate from superintendent Dr. Bill James during the district's regular recognition period to highlight student and teacher achievements.

Henderson is among several Corinth Elementary students who have received district honors recently. One of the school's students has been selected to receive the district Lieutenant Governor's Writing Award for the past three years.

Most recently, Corinth Elementary student Taylor Covington won a "Voice of America" essay contest held by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Corinth Elementary is currently finishing its third year as a state exemplary writing award winner.

Sharts said the school's faculty will decide in a few months whether to renew their status as an exemplary writing school.

"We are very proud of our students for their excellent writing," Sharts said. "Writing is something we place a lot of emphasis on at our school."