Hundreds of families poured into the historic Tivoli Theater on Tuesday to watch their children win creative writing awards for original poetry and prose.
Teachers of all grades attended the awards ceremony to see their students receive medals and cross the Tivoli Stage. They, too, were recognized by So Lit and UTC for their dedication to teaching students the joy and lifelong skill of writing.
Established in 1999 by UTC English professors Hugh and Verbie Prevost, the Young Southern Student Writer’s contest challenges, rewards, and nurtures reading and writing skills of countless Hamilton County students in public, private, and home schools. The program also supports teachers and parents through encouraging their students and children with the fascination of reading and the importance of writing skills, said officials.
The inaugural contest in 1999 had 450 student participants. Now in its 17th year, the Young Southern Student Writers contest received over 4,000 submissions, each of which were personally reviewed by the English department faculty of UTC under the direction of UC Foundation Professor Joe Wilferth. Nearly 400 students in grades K-12 were recognized with medals for originality of content and thematic skill in writing.
When describing the impact of the program, Joe Wilferth said, “The submissions provide a glimpse into the wild imagination of young minds. I thank this year’s young writers and their teachers. You have given me much to laugh about, much to enjoy, and much to appreciate.”
The 2016 recipients of the Prevost Awards for Poetry and Prose were, respectively, Annie Hunter of Signal Mountain High School and Max Radu of Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts. Miss Hunter’s poem “Memories,” and Mr. Radu’s short story “Money Trees” may be found on So Lit’s and UTC’s websites. (http://www.southernlitalliance.org/#!yssw-winners/c23tm and http://www.utc.edu/english/yssw.php)
For more information about So Lit and Young Southern Student Writers, visit www.SouthernLitAlliance.org.