Students from South Forsyth High School nearly swept the field in a recent essay contest sponsored by the state's insurance and safety fire commissioner.

Junior Autumn Jackson won first place for her essay on fire safety, and fellow junior Carolyn O'Connor tied with Meron Hanley, a senior at South, for third place.

The three students accepted the awards at the Life, Fire and Safety annual awards luncheon Thursday in Atlanta.

Insurance and Safety spokesman Glenn Allen said it is "very unusual for students from the same school to dominate a category" at the event.

Allen said the second place award went to a student from another school. Judges said it was a toss-up between O'Connor and Hanley for third.

"Their school should be very proud of them," Allen said. "It is an honor."

Others at the luncheon received awards for "firefighter of the year" and "fire safety educator of the year," among others.

Commissioner John Oxendine presented the Forsyth County girls with the award. They also met Sparky the Dog, the office's mascot.

Elected insurance and safety fire commissioner in 1994, Oxendine is serving his fourth term in office.

As commissioner, he appoints the state fire marshal, oversees the state arson unit, regulates explosive and hazardous materials and is responsible for the inspections of public buildings for compliance with state fire code.