One Walter C. Young Middle School student is $500 richer thanks to her Hawaii vacation.

Kaylen Sanders, 13, of Pembroke Pines wrote a 1,000-word essay on the topic, “My Favorite Vacation,” and received her reward this month during a ceremony at Walter C. Young/Pembroke Pines Branch Library Literary Fair, 955 NW 129th Ave.

Fifty-nine students in Walter C. Young’s creative writing classes submitted entries for the contest; Jessica Degen, 13, and Ariadne Hernandez, 12, both of Pembroke Pines, also picked up $100 apiece for their honorable mentions.

“The kids’ teachers picked the best three essays and asked me to pick the winner,” said Jacob Marzouca, president of Pines-based Travel Leaders of Broward County. “This is a good example of how businesses can become involved as resources to schools, with both parties benefiting.”

Sanders’ teacher also received a check for $200 toward school supplies, added Marzouca, whose company awarded the prize money.

The public can read the students’ winning entries online beginning next month at www.travelleaders.com/experts.

For more information, call 954-704-0034.