Three Northern State University students won awards for their entries in the Brown County Historical Society's annual research and writing contest.

First place went to Scott Johnson for his paper, "The Rising Star and the Lake of Shining Shells: The Settlement and Pre-1900 History of Watertown, South Dakota." Johnson is a history major from Watertown.

Reece Moehlenbrink received second place for "Robert Smalls: The Courage of One Ex-Slave." Moehlenbrink is a history education major from Ipswich.

Hailey Smith received third place for "Gold Rush in the Hills: The People and Towns." Smith is a social science education major from Aberdeen.

Each of the students received a certificate and a cash prize for their winning papers.

Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.