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University Place Students Nab Honors in Pierce County Library System's Writing, Art Contest

For their work in the Teen Writing & Art Contest, Matt Patterson, Lexy Hobson and Penny Mae Rhines all will be honored May 24 at Pacific Lutheran University.

Wow, does University Place have some talented teens or what?

A trio of them Matt Patterson, Lexy Hobson and Penny Mae Rhines all were winners in the Pierce County Library System's Teen Writing & Art Contest - Our Own Expressions

  • Matt took first place for the Grades 7-8 division in the short story category
  • Lexy took first place for the Grades 9-10 division in the drawing category
  • Penny took third place for the Grades 7-8 division in the poetry category

Between late January and early March, students across Pierce County submitted 1,233 poems, short stories, drawings and photographs in the annual contest, which were reviewed and judged by volunteers and local art experts.

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The winners will showcase their works and be honored at a free public event at 7 p.m., May 24 at Lagerquist Concert Hall at Pacific Lutheran University.

Here is the full release from the Pierce County Library System:

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TACOMA – Creative teenage artists and writers exhibited their talents through original poetry, short story, drawing and photography in Pierce County Library System’s Teen Writing & Art Contest – Our Own Expressions. “Every year we are amazed and impressed at the stunning writing and art from teenagers,” said Neel Parikh, executive director for Pierce County Library. “We are honored to encourage and promote these promising and talented students to demonstrate their abilities and continue their creative efforts.” Between Jan. 23 and March 2, students submitted 1,233 poems, short stories, drawings and photographs in the Our Own Expressions contest. Volunteers, including Library staff and Pierce County Library Foundation Board members, reviewed the entries. Poet Kristin McHenry and author Randall Platt selected this year’s writing winners, evaluating originality, style, general presentation, grammar, spelling and evidence of skill appropriate for the writer’s age. Photographer Alexa King and artist Lucy Schwartz selected the art winners, based on composition, evidence of skill commensurate with the age of the artist, creativity and effective use of media. At a free public event, at Pacific Lutheran University, Lagerquist Concert Hall, on Thursday, May 24, at 7 p.m. the winning authors and artists will showcase their work. Pierce County Library Foundation will award the winners with cash prizes.

Poetry Winners

  • Grades 7-8: 1st—Marin Malich, Gig Harbor; 2nd—Taylor Holland, Graham; 3rd—Penny Mae Rhines, University Place
  • Grades 9-10: 1st—Hailey Maher, Gig Harbor; 2nd—Jocelyn Gonzales, Steilacoom; 3rd—Breanna Forrest, Tacoma
  • Grades 11-12: 1st—Noelle Oppenhuizen, Gig Harbor; 2nd—Renee Taylor, Lakewood; 3rd—Amber Roley, Puyallup

 Short Story Winners

  • Grades 7-8: 1st—Matt Patterson, University Place; 2nd—Stephanie Davis, Puyallup; 3rd—Meghan Tiffany Low, Puyallup
  • Grades 9-10: 1st—Delaney Adix, Gig Harbor; 2nd—Anne Gaspers, Vashon Island; 3rd—Isabel Anderson, Anderson Island
  • Grades 11-12: 1st—Kaley Kiermayr, DuPont; 2nd—Amanda Gordon, Fox Island; 3rd—Tamala Aown, Fircrest

 Photography Winners

  • Grades 7-8: 1st—Alyssa Metcalf, Gig Harbor; 2nd—Dallas Martin, Tacoma; 3rd—Breonna Rose, Gig Harbor
  • Grades 9-10: 1st—Emilie Webb, Gig Harbor; 2nd—Hannah Squires, DuPont; 3rd—Molly MacKinnon, Gig Harbor
  • Grades 11-12:  1st—Katherine Meikle, Steilacoom; 2nd—Jazmine Horne, Tacoma; 3rd—Savanna Soukey, Spanaway

 Drawing Winners

  • Grades 7-8: 1st—Sydney Paulsen, Puyallup; 2nd—Byron White, Tacoma; 3rd—Alicia Shulz, Gig Harbor
  • Grades 9-10: 1st—Lexy Hobson, University Place; 2nd—Jesse MacKinnon, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Molly MacKinnon, Gig Harbor
  • Grades 11-12: 1st—Kayla Wyatt, Bonney Lake; 2nd—Tamala Aown, Fircrest; 3rd—Amanda Franz, Bonney Lake

 


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