Teenagers excel in Pierce County Library’s writing and drawing contest

TACOMA – Teenage writers and artists expressed their creativity through original poetry, short story and drawing in Pierce County Library System’s Teen Writing & Drawing Contest–Our Own Expressions.

“The writing and artwork continues to amaze me,” said Neel Parikh, executive director for Pierce County Library. “We have truly talented youth in Pierce County. It is so exciting and rewarding to see the participation and enthusiasm of these budding authors and artists.”

Between Jan. 25 and March 5, students submitted more than 1,000 poems, short stories and drawings in the Our Own Expressions contest. Volunteers, including Library staff and Pierce County Library Foundation Board members, reviewed the entries. Noted author Lorie Ann Grover and poet Kevin Miller selected this year’s writing winners, evaluating originality, style, general presentation, grammar and spelling. Art experts Ken Murphy and John Munn selected the drawing winners, based on composition, artistic skills, creativity, and an effective use of media.

At a free public event, at Pacific Lutheran University, Lagerquist Concert Hall, on Wednesday, June 2, at 7 p.m. the winning authors and artists will showcase their work. Pierce County Library Foundation will award the winners with cash prizes.

Poetry Winners
•Grades 7-8: 1st—Piper Kachman, Spanaway; 2nd—Morgan Hoff, Buckley; 3rd—Maegan George, Steilacoom
•Grades 9-10: 1st—Rachel Sorensen, Lakewood; 2nd—Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz, University Place; 3rd—Aidan O’Neill, Gig Harbor
•Grades 11-12: 1st—Nathaniel Shelden, Tacoma; 2nd—Myralee Hansen, Lakewood; 3rd—Sam Becker, Gig Harbor

Short Story Winners
•Grades 7-8: 1st—Tess Warren, Tacoma; 2nd—Piper Kachman, Spanaway; 3rd—Emily Tomczak, Gig Harbor
•Grades 9-10: 1st—Mariah Bellamoroso, Lewis-McChord; 2nd—Rachel Sorensen, Lakewood; 3rd—Sophia Taylor, Fox Island
•Grades 11-12: 1st—Rachel Mason, Graham, city; 2nd—Perris Miller, Tacoma; 3rd—Eva Revear, Puyallup

Manga Winners
•Grades 7-8: 1st—Ayanna Jones, Graham; 2nd—Mary Prado, Spanaway; 3rd—Stephanie Dinn, Gig Harbor
•Grades 9-10: 1st—Esther Lee, Lakewood; 2nd—Elysa Saito, Eatonville; 3rd—Elizabeth Yant, Graham
•Grades 11-12: 1st—Emily Baldado, Gig Harbor; 2nd—Stephanie Salacka, Puyallup; 3rd—Taylor Hansen-Grimes, University Place

General Drawing Winners
•Grades 7-8: 1st—Jesse MacKinnon, Gig Harbor; 2nd—Molly MacKinnon, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Xuri Dively, Fox Island
•Grades 9-10: 1st—Corynne Dougil, Olalla; 2nd—Elysa Saito, Eatonville; 3rd—Rebekah Ho, Gig Harbor
•Grades 11-12: 1st—Jesika Catlin, Bonney Lake; 2nd—Rachel Brewster, Milton, Tacoma; 3rd—Alyanna Castillo, Gig Harbor

Pierce County Library Foundation and The News Tribune sponsor the contest. The winning entries will be posted online @ http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/kids-;teens/teens/teen-writing-drawing and copies of the booklet will be at Pierce County Libraries and the winning students’ school libraries, after June 2.