12 Young Authors Selected as Local Winners of the PBS Kids Writers Contest

Twelve young authors from West Virginia have been selected as local winners of the PBS KIDS Writers Contest, which encourages children grades K-3 to celebrate the power of writing by creating and submitting original storybooks. 

This year’s winners were chosen from 101 representing 16 schools.

This year’s winners created stories featuring tales of animals, friendship, and adventure. “Congratulations to all the students across the state who entered this year’s contest,” said Scott Finn, executive director of West Virginia Public Broadcasting. “All of the stories were entertaining, creative and unique.”

“Research shows that writing plays a key role in the development of early literacy skills,” said Debbie Oleksa, coordinator of education and outreach for West Virginia Public Broadcasting.  “The PBS KIDS Writers Contest leverages the reach and resources of public media to encourage kids to tap into these important skills.  The positive response we receive from children, parents and teachers demonstrates that kids are indeed using public media and exercising their talents.”

2014 West Virginia Winners

Kindergarten

• First Place:  “The Fishing Adventure” by Remington Blair, Mineral Wells
• Second Place:  “The Name Game” by Isaac Blair, Mineral Springs
• Third Place:  “This is my Zoo” by Chloe Long, Tunnelton (Fellowsville Elementary School)

First Grade

• First Place:  “Building Metal” by Micah Evans, St. Marys (Belmont Elementary School)
• Second Place: “The Sleepover” by Natalie Haden, South Charleston
• Third Place: “The Ghost Train” by Olivia Hayes, Charleston WV

Second Grade

• First Place:  “The Day Sophie was Different” by Mailey Jackson, Morgantown
• Second Place:  “The Spiky Disease” by Nessan Mungovan, Martinsburg
• Third Place:  “The Legend of the Indian Tiger” by Harrison Whitfield, Daniels

Third Grade

• First Place:  “Prehistoric Fart” by Declan Mungovan, Martinsburg
• Second Place:  “The Big Storm” by Maya McKendall, Morgantown
• Third Place:  “The Farm on Mars” by Leigha Floyd. Barrackville

Each child who entered the contest receives a Certificate of Achievement. The winning authors will also receive prizes and a celebration party at West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Morgantown location on Sunday, July 13 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Download the Word document.