Reading a great book serves up ample rewards to the mind, but three University of Louisiana at Monroe freshmen reaped additional benefits Thursday, April 30, for their essays based on the Summer Reading book, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho.

The ULM English Department sponsors the annual contest in conjunction with the Student Success Center. This year's winners include:

• First Place ($250 prize): Jarred Hardee of Coushatta. Essay Title: "Lessons to be Learned." Instructor: Jackie Tucker.

• Second Place ($150 prize): Marilou Ingles of Columbia. Essay Title: "You Can Do It: The Broken Record." Instructor: Laura Britton.

• Third Place ($100 prize): Shanetta Wilhite of Delhi. Essay Title: "Inspiration for Teens." Instructor: Jackie Tucker.

Chris Harris, director of composition; Patti Pate, assistant director of retention; and James Pettit, English instructor, served as judges.

Students were presented cash awards and certificates by the English Department. The Student Success Center provided professional development funds for the winning instructors.