Bryant Wins National Competition
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Mayor Tommy Reynolds issued an official proclamation declaring June 18, 2025, as “Madison Bryant Day” in Water Valley.
By Jessie Gurner
Herald Contributor
WATER VALLEY – When Madison Bryant sat down to write an essay about recycling plastics, she probably didn’t expect it would take her all the way to the top of a national competition—or earn her a day named in her honor. But that’s exactly what happened.
Bryant, a student from Water Valley, has won first place in the National Garden Clubs, Inc. 2024–2025 Youth Essay Contest, beating out entries from across the country with her thought-provoking essay, “Corporate Taking Accountability.” The topic? A deceptively simple question with a not-so-simple answer: “Is Recycling Plastics the Answer to Our Plastic Disposal Problem?”
Representing the Water Valley Town and Country Garden Club, her journey began at the state level, where her essay earned first place through the Garden Clubs of Mississippi. That win came with a $100 prize and a certificate—nice additions, certainly, but more than that, they were just the beginning.
Her essay then advanced to the Deep South Region, competing against students from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Once again, Bryant came out on top. And then—national recognition. Her essay was named the best in the country, earning her first place in the national competition and a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
To celebrate her extraordinary achievement, Mayor Tommy Reynolds issued an official proclamation declaring June 18, 2025, as “Madison Bryant Day” in Water Valley. The proclamation praises her academic excellence, civic-mindedness, and ability to spark meaningful conversation through writing. It also acknowledges the pride she brings to her school, her family, and the entire community.
Glinda Daniels, president of the Water Valley Town and Country Garden Club, couldn’t be more proud.
“Madison’s essay tackled a big question with clarity well beyond her years.”
The club also extended its thanks to all the students who participated in this year’s contest, noting that each entry reflected curiosity, care for the environment, and a willingness to think critically about the world we live in.
For a small town like Water Valley, a national win like Madison’s is a big deal—not just because of the awards and certificates, but because it reminds us that big ideas can come from anywhere.
Madison Bryant (center) is congratulated for winning the national essay contest by (from left) Town and Garden Club President Glinda Daniels, Water Valley High School English teacher Anna Koshenina, Mayor Tommy Reynolds and garden club project chairman Linda Scott.
