Celebrating Young Writers awards presented to local students

High school students throughout the Shawnee Community College district were invited last fall to participate in a writing contest sponsored by Shawnee Community College. This year 70 students submitted nearly 100 Celebrating Young Writers entries. The winners, along with family and friends were recognized at the 5th Annual SCC Writing Contest Award Reception on Thursday, April 18.

After a welcome by SCC President, Dr. Tim Bellamey; published author and SCC adjunct faculty member, Brooks Kohler shared his narrative: “Write for the Future.” The students not only got a chance to showcase their writing ability but they also learnt more about what it takes to become an author. They were shown different writing techniques, learnt about how to plan your story, and even found out about hybrid publishing. It’s hoped that it will inspire some of them to pursue writing as a career.

Celebrating Young Writers recognizes the literary skills of area high school students in three categories: short fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. The original works were judged in two divisions: 9th/10th grade and 11th/12th grade. Participating schools included Anna-Jonesboro, Century, Goreville, Massac, Meridian, and Vienna.

Judges for the contest included Shawnee Community College faculty members: Bobby Peak, Sharon Walker, Roberta Christie, Sandy Fontana, Robbie Woolridge and Ryan Thornsberry; along with SCC adjunct faculty members: Brooks Kohler; and members of SCC’s staff: Jeff McGoy, director of student support services; and Rob Lucas, educational technology specialist.

Celebrating Young Writers High School Writing Contest Winners 2013

Poetry

9th/10th Division

1st place: Taylor Bundren,

Vienna High School

2nd place: Alysha Giltner,

Century High School

3rd place: Taylor Bundren,

Vienna High School

Poetry

11th/12th Division

1st place: Jenna Ribbing,

A-J High School

2nd place: Jenna Ribbing,

A-J High School

3rd place: Shyann McLernon, A-J High School

Short Fiction

9th/10th Grade Division

1st place: Ivy Lyons,

Massac County High School

2nd place: Taylor Bundren,

Vienna High School

3rd place: Tiffany Sartore,

Meridian High School

Short Fiction

11th/12th Grade Division

1st place: Jenna Ribbing,

A-J High School

2nd place: Katlyn Turner,

A-J High School

3rd place: Katelyn Bailey,

Century High School

Nonfiction

9th/10th Grade Division

1st place: Téa Wimer,

Massac County High School

2nd place: Kaleigh Pressler,

A-J High School

3rd place: Ryan Stark,

A-J High School