Aaron Wooley is shown with a $10,000 scholarship he received as winner of an essay competition sponsored by KSA Events. Pictured, from left, are Johnny Berry, Hartselle High athletic director, Coach Keith Wright, his parents, Wade and Cindy Wooley and KSA Alabama Ambassador Tim Shepler. | Clif Knight

Aaron Wooley is a freshman at Auburn University majoring in mechanical engineering. After beating out a national field of competitors in an essay writing contest, he may want to consider pursuing an additional major in writing.

The 2012 Hartselle High School graduate received a $10,000 college scholarship on Friday as winner in a nationwide KSA Essay Contest.

The award was presented by Homewood High School head basketball coach Tim Shepler, Alabama representative for KSA, at Hartselle High School’s pep rally. Participating in the ceremony were KSA representative Beau Blackerby, Hartselle High head basketball coach Keith Wright and Wooley’s parents, Wade and Cindy Wooley.

Wooley said he was encouraged by enter the contest by Wright and had put it out of his mind until he was called and told he was the winner about four weeks ago.

“I was very surprised because of the high level of competition,” he said, “but I’m happy about the scholarship. It will be a great help as I continue my education.”

Wooley said the contest subject was a letter of advice to himself when he was a young boy.

“I don’t know of anyone who is more deserving that Aaron,” Wright said. “He’s the kind of young man I want my boys to emulate as they grow up.”