Student writers receive honors

Shawnee Community College recently hosted its annual young writer’s competition. The competition encouraged local high school students to submit their own nonfiction, fiction and poetry pieces for a chance to win monetary prizes. A ceremony was held April 19 at Shawnee Community College near Ullin to announce the winners. The high school writing competition was divided into two divisions: the 9th/10th grades division and 11th/12th grades division. First-, second- and thirdplace honors were awarded in both divisions in each of three categories. The categories included nonfiction essay, fiction essay and poetry.

The winners included, by category: 9th/10th grade nonfiction essay: Holly McAlister, Anna-Jonesboro Community High School, first place. Madison Cunningham, Massac County High School, second place. Caitlin Kingsley, Massac County High School, third place. 11th/12th grade nonfiction essay: Mary Kate White, Vienna High School, first place. Gabriele Baker, Meridian High School, Mounds, second place. Miranda Brookshier, Vienna High School, third place. 9th/10th grade fiction essay: Delaney Cummins, Dongola High School, first place. Danni Carnes, Massac County High School, second place. Katie Pugh, Massac County High School, third place. 11th/12th grade fiction essay: Kaitlin Nale, Century High School, Ullin, first place. Adam Ragsdale, Joppa High School, second place. Casey Jordan, Massac County High School, third place. 9th/10th grade poetry: Caitlin Kingsley, Massac County High School, first place. Lawrence Bigham, Egyptian High School, Tamms, second place. Hailey O'Dea, Dongola High School, third place. 11th/12th grade poetry: Terry Wyant, Dongola High School, first place. Aveon Winfield, Century High School, second place. Taylor Bundren, Vienna Hig