Writing contest winners receive prizes

Winners of Howell County News’ third annual writing contest received their prizes last week. The contest was open to all middle-school age children in Howell County. For the first time, the winners were determined by a panel of judges. Serving as judges this year were Zora Mulligan, Chancellor at MSU-WP, Kim Rich, Howell County News founder, and Shelly Mantel, MSBA President and MVBT R-III school board member, and Amanda Mendez, Howell County News publisher. 

 

Entries were judged on technical proficiency such as spelling, vocabulary use, and punctuation, but also on effective storytelling and compelling use of syntax. Bonus points were available for the “Christmas magic,” only the mind and heart of a child can add to a story. 

 

For the first time, the contest awarded two prizes to the same young author: homeschooled seventh-grader Adia Bartow. Her story, The Christmas Mouse, scored significantly higher than all other entries and also significantly higher than any other story with a religious theme. The judging panel voted to award both prizes to Bartow, a total cash value of $150. 

 

This year, the contest introduced two new prizes to honor some unique entries. Aria Zino, a sixth grader at Fairview School District, wrote, A Christmas Tale, a story composed almost entirely of conversation. Her high-scoring story earned the Best Dialogue prize and $25 in cash. From Willow Springs Middle School, Avery Jones submitted a story that captured one of the most challenging times in family life – celebrating a holiday after losing a loved one. A Christmas Memory won Best Family Story and a prize of $25. 

 

This year’s Best Writing winner was Rory Amrhein, a seventh grader at West Plains Middle School. The Last Light in Pine Hollow was scored second highest overall by the judges and contained such vivid imagery and action that it earned Best Writing and a cash prize of $50. 

 

Finally, and most chaotically, was Jaxon Elliott’s The Tale of Andrew’s Christmas. Elliott’s story of a little boy who breaks into the Governor’s mansion to demand social funding for Christmas won the Best Adventure prize and $50 in cash. 

 

All the stories appeared in the December 31 edition of Howell County News and may be found online at HowellCountyNews.com. Additional copies may be purchased at the news office.