Does this count as an award?

Does an award count if I received it during my high school years but I did some of the work during middle school?
I submitted my essay for a writing competition and received the award in 9th grade or something but wrote the essay in eighth grade.

If it does count, would colleges want proof? It was a national award (not in the US so not too amazing), and there is no way to prove it. I published my article in a book but then the book is out of print so I was wondering if I needed to find the book in order for it to ‘count’. The award can be searched online, but a physical list of winners cannot be found.

Thanks.

It’s worth mentioning the award, but I wouldn’t necessarily specify that you got it for your 8th grade writing. And you shouldn’t need proof, they trust you have enough integrity.