The winners of the eighth annual Quesnel short story and poetry writing contest were announced on Saturday, June 11.
Bernice Heinzleman congratulated the inspirational authors and poets at the Quesnel and Districts Arts and Recreation Center where the Independent Authors Book Fair was held.
Each submission on ‘Life’s Comedy of Errors’ was independently reviewed by a panel of judges, who decided it would not be fair to penalize poetry submissions from grades 10-12 students. after their instructor mistakenly made them write on last year’s theme “it’s in our nature.”
“A very special thank you to all of our judges who spent several hours reading your work and writing comments,” Heinzelman said.
“Thank you to everyone who entered the poetry and short writing contest.”
Winners received certificates and cash prizes of $75 for first, $50 for second, $25 for third, and $10 for honorable mention.
Aatu Karjala-Fox won first place in poetry for adults, followed by Karen Steinson and Carly Lornsten. Adult short story winners included Meriel Wild, David Smithers and Liz Anne Eyford, while Melissa Smith and Katelyn Folkins received honorable mentions.
There were also winners among students in grades 7-12.
In Poetry Grades 7-9, Quinn Carlson won first place, followed by Jacob Craig Lepetich and Ryan Mosher. An honorable mention went to Mackenzie Gilks. Poetry winners in grades 10-12 included Violette Veley (first), Carter Zappone (second) and Olivia Trimble (third), with honorable mentions for Kimber Richter and Nevaeh Kueber-McHone.
Lauren Gittens took first place in the news for grades 7-9, followed by Juniper Lee-Parmley and Jonas Davies.
The winners were invited to read aloud their prize-winning work after the presentation of the prize.
“It was nice to be able to do that and be together in person because the last few years we just had them come in one by one and take their pictures and leave because of Covid,” Heinzelman said.
“So it was a joy to get everyone together and see their faces.”
Do you have anything to add to this story, or anything else we should report? Email: rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com
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