Peter Roem, grade 3, Samantha Einspahr, grade 4, and Daniel Langewisch, grade 5, of Bethlehem Lutheran School in Lakewood, were named the 2008 School Handwriting Winners in the National Handwriting Contest sponsored by Zaner-Bloser Educational Publishers.

Peter Roem and Samantha Einspahr were also named the 2008 State Handwriting Winners for Colorado and will go on to compete against State Winners nationwide for the title of National Winner selected for each grade level, Grades 1 through 8. A Grand National Champion will be selected from all National Winners.

State winners, their teachers, and the school principal received beautifully engraved wood pens, a special award certificate, and a $50 gift certificate for Zaner-Bloser learning materials.

Each National Winner receives a Nintendo DS/Brain Age Game packaged, a $500 saving bond, special award certificate, and t-shirts for their classmates, teachers, and family. Each winner's school receives a $100 gift certificate for Zaner-Bloser learning materials. The Grand National Champion receives prizes valued at more than $1,500 and his or her classroom will receive a computer.

For the past 17 years, Zaner-Bloser, has sponsored the National Handwriting contest to emphasize the importance of developing good handwriting skills. This year, more than 177,00 students participated in the contest nationwide.