MIDDLEBORO — Four Middleboro students recently earned top placements in the Massachusetts State Elks Americanism Essay Contest, with two advancing to the national level. 

The Middleboro Elks Lodge #1274 announced the results, noting that more than 1,500 students from across the state submitted essays.

Fifth grader Abigail Needle of H.B. Burkland School and eighth grader Chris Wainwright of Mullein Hill Christian Academy each earned first place for their grade level. 

Their essays will now advance to the national competition, where they will compete for a $1,000 prize and the Americanism national title. Both received a $250 prize for their state-level wins.

Two additional H.B. Burkland fifth graders also placed in the top three: Delilah Winslow earned second place and a $125 prize and Madelyn Lovett took third place and a $50 prize.