Jenks Sophomore Surprised With Special Visit & Prize After Winning Essay Contest

A Jenks High School sophomore just got the surprise of a lifetime after winning an essay contest.

Jenks sophomore Isaac Neal entered an essay contest sharing his thoughts on a book written by Tom Pace called, 'Mentor: The Kid and the CEO.' The book focuses on leadership, life skills, and self-growth. 

Neal said reading it changed his life for the better, which is exactly what the author was hoping for.

Pace said when he read Isaac's essay about his book, he knew he had to give the money to him in person. So, Wednesday, in front of all of his classmates, Neal got a $5,000 surprise.

"I thought it was going to be a check or something, but then I got the prize and it made it feel more then what it was," Neal said. 

Over 500 schools were given the chance to us the book as part of the curriculum 

Neal said Pace taking the time to give him the grand prize in person makes the day even more special.

"It makes it seem like it's more of an importance that I won rather than just $5,000 and leaving," Isaac said. 

"His essay really touched my heart," Pace said. "That is exactly what we tried to convey in the book. Is that if you take certain actions in your life, you can have results." 

Neal said he is going to put most of the money in his savings account but plans to use some of it to buy a new car in the future. First, though, he can't wait to tell his family. 

"They're going to be surprised and maybe want some, but you know I'm going to have to fend them off from the 5k," Neal said. 

Pace said the essay contest will continue at other schools around the country and he plans to give out $5,000 prizes three more times.