For the third consecutive year, a local Macey's employee has won first place at the National Grocers Association's International Best Bagger Competition, held in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Jensen, an 18-year old impresario of the plastic and paper, works at the West Jordan Macey's store, and faced off against about 30 baggers from around the world before taking home the top prize in the competition - a trophy and a check for $2,000.

In the end, it was down to a contestant from Canada and Jensen, and she pulled through, bagging eggs, carrots, paper plates, cans and other grocery items.

The baggers were judged in four different areas: speed, proper bag building technique, distribution of weight between bags, style and attitude and appearance.

Though this is her first time at the international contest, Jensen lost out in a statewide bagging competition two years ago. Her loss motivated her to practice for this year's competition, working with coworkers to master her bagging technique.

"We just moved the items around every time, and I kept timing myself," said Jensen.

As for the prize money, Jensen plans on using it toward her college education

A coming-home celebration for Jensen will be held at noon today at the West Jordan Macey's, 7859 S. 3200 West.