West Feliciana Schools recently announced the winners of its Young Authors competition, celebrating the literary talents of students across various grades. This initiative encourages creativity and writing skills among students, showcasing their original works in various genres.
In the first grade category, the top three winners were: first place, Jackson Felker for “The Highwayman”; second place, Rosalyn McGregor with “The Inevitable”; and third place, Isabella Hardin for “The Queen’s Jester.” Each of these young authors demonstrated impressive storytelling abilities, setting a strong foundation for their literary futures.
The second grade winners included first place, Ariel Price for “Stepsisters”; second place, Tyler Brian with “Innocence”; and third place, Josie Gonzalez for “This One’s Clever.” The variety in themes reflects the diverse interests and imaginations of these young writers.
In third grade, the competition was equally fierce, with Addison McKey taking first place for “If Only There Was a Mailing Address to Heaven,” followed by Joey Peno in second with “Bipolar,” and Brody Monson in third for “The Fork in the Road.” Their works not only highlight their creative talents but also touch on important themes relevant to their age group.
As the competition progressed through the grades, the stories continued to inspire. Fourth grade featured Anya Riley in first place for “An Unwanted Gift,” Jenna Holland in second with “The Reclamation of Pluto,” and Madison Minor in third for “Blank Ink.” Each entry showcased a unique perspective and narrative style.
Fifth grade winners included Peyton Landry, whose piece “The Fallen Angel” earned first place, while Marley Kador and Harrison Warner secured second and third places, respectively, with “Boarding the Never End” and “Hendiana Jones and the Lost Coffee Pot.” Not only do these stories reflect the children’s creativity, but they also offer insight into their evolving thoughts and experiences.
The sixth-grade results were equally impressive. Sadie Aitken emerged as the first-place winner with “She’s Free,” followed closely by Lillian Record and Benjamin Morrison for their works “Time” and “Tomorrow. Isn’t. Promised.” This age group often grapples with complex emotions and themes, which were evident in their writing.
The seventh-grade competition displayed a wide range of creativity, with Anabelle Pilcher winning first place for “The World We Hold Dear.” Other notable entries included Evelyn Pollet in second with “Gifted Burn Out,” and Abbigail Whitaker in third for “Deciding.”
As the competition concluded, students from eighth grade showcased their talents with Hadley Smith winning first place for “Mysterious Amulet.” This was followed by Eliana Grimsley in second with “Aliens,” and Amirie Reed in third for “How It Started.” The narratives reflected their growing maturity and understanding of the world around them.
The Young Authors initiative at West Feliciana Schools not only highlights the literary achievements of students but also fosters a love for writing that may last a lifetime. The competition serves as an important platform for young voices to express themselves, and it encourages a culture of creativity and literary appreciation within the school community.
The announcement of the winners took place in December 2023, marking a significant moment in the academic year for both students and educators. As the school continues to nurture young talent, the community eagerly anticipates the next generation of authors emerging from West Feliciana Schools.
