All-American Kids Awards honors four, including youngest winner - WGEM.com: Quincy News, Weather, Sports, and Radio

It was made to honor excellence in local children and this year, the youngest recipient ever took home a prize.

The annual All-American Kids Awards were handed out at the Quincy Exchange Club meeting Friday afternoon. 

The awards honor special achievement in the categories of Arts & Humanities, Math & Natural Science, and Sports. Each winner gets a special plaque and a $200 educational award.  One 8-year-old was the youngest winner in history, and she says she was shocked.

"There was an envelope in the mail, and my mom, she actually acted like I was in trouble," said Ratayia Bias.  "And then she said 'I'm just joking with you, you won the American Kid Award, and I was just so happy and proud of myself."

This year featured four winners in the three categories, as two students ended up in a tie.  The following students were honored:

Arts/Humanities (TIE):

Ratayia Bias, Berrian School

Abby Biswell, Quincy Junior High School

Mathematics/Natural Science:

Drew Klauser, St. Dominic School

Sports:

Amanda Zehnle, Liberty Junior High School