NEWS

TEENAGERS EXCEL IN PIERCE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM’S WRITING CONTEST

By: Kit Thompson May 20, 2008

TACOMA – Teenage poets and writers exemplified creative expression during the Piece County Library System’s 12th annual teen writing contest, Our Own Words, which made it a challenge for judges to select only 18 winners out of 800 entries.

“Pierce County Library beams with pride at the young, talented writers who showed a strong value for the written word and creative expression,” said Neel Parikh, executive director for Pierce County Library. “The entries showed thoughtfulness, humor, insight and many other emotions and attitudes.”

Between Feb. 10 and March 22, students submitted 800 poems and short stories in the Our Own Words contest. Volunteers, including Library staff and Pierce County Library Foundation Board members, reviewed the entries. Noted young adult author Dia Calhoun and poet Michael Magee selected this year’s winners, evaluating originality, style, general presentation, grammar and spelling.

At a free public event, at Pacific Lutheran University, Lagerquist Concert Hall, on Wednesday, May 28, at 7 p.m. the winning authors will read their work. Pierce County Library Foundation will award the winners with cash prizes.

Poetry Winners
•Grades 7-8: 1st—Skye Lewis, Fox Island; 2nd—Jack Chakerian, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Delaney McCausland, Lake Tapps
•Grades 9-10: 1st—Raven Briggs, Tacoma; 2nd—Samuel Becker, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Ellen Elizabeth Grover, Sumner
•Grades 11-12: 1st—Kendall Pepple, Puyallup; 2nd—Mary Cassio, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Kristen Steenbeeke, Puyallup

Short Story Winners
•Grades 7-8: 1st—Rachael Robinson, Bonney Lake; 2nd—Dirk Beck, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Mariah Bellamoroso, Fort Lewis
•Grades 9-10: 1st—Catherine Niemela, Puyallup; 2nd—Michelle Taylor, Lakewood; 3rd—Juliana Chase, Tacoma
•Grades 11-12: 1st—Race DiLoreto, Lakewood; 2nd—Rayna Mumbower, Bonney Lake; 3rd—Jacob Rodenbucher, Port Orchard

Pierce County Library Foundation, The News Tribune and the Pierce County Arts Commission sponsor the contest. The winning entries will be posted online @ www.piercecountylibrary.org/kids-teens/teens/teen-writing-contest/ and copies will be at Pierce County Libraries and the winning students’ school libraries, after May 28.
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Our Own Words winners @ www.piercecountylibrary.org/kids-teens/teens/teen-writing-contest/