Program - Marshall University

National Writing Project in West Virginia
WV Department of Education,
and University of Charleston present
Celebrating 30 Years of Winning Writing
in the WV Young Writers Contest
University of Charleston
May 24, 2013

Table of Contents
Young Writers Day Schedule ……………………………………………. 2
State Winners Grades 1-2 ………………………………………………. 4
State Winners Grades 3-4 ……………………………………………….. 5
State Winners Grades 5-6 ……………………………………………… 6
State Winners Grades 7-8 ………………………………………………. 7
State Winners Grades 9-10 ………………………………………………. 8
State Winners Grades 11-12 ……………………………………………… 9
County Winner Listings ……………………………………………………10
Introducing Authors and Presenters ……………………………………… 38
Acknowledgements ………………………………………………………. back cover

WV Young Writers Day Schedule
8:00-9:00 Registration in Riggleman Hall, University of Charleston
9:00-9:30 Introduction by Paul Epstein, Director of Central WV Writing Project,
Welcome by Ed Welch, President, University of Charleston
Presentation by Sean Hill, representing Governor Earl Ray Tomblin
Remarks by Dr. James B. Phares, WV Superintendent of Schools
9:30-10:10 Ron Sowell of Mountain Stage, Keynote Presentation
Songwriting is Writing, Too!
10:10-10:30 Introduction of attending authors and workshop presenters and dismissal to
workshop locations
10:30-11:30 Young Writers Workshops
Cheryl Ware
Grades 1-3, Appalachian Room
Sarah Sullivan
Grades 4-6, Frankenberger Art Gallery
Ron Sowell
Grades 7-9, Rigglemann Hall, Room 123
Marc Harshman
Grades 10-12, Clay Tower Room 101
For Parents, Teachers, and Other Adults
Join Dr. Elizabeth Campbell for coffee and a keepsake writing activity,
Ballroom, 3 rd floor of Student Center
11:30-12:45 Box Lunches delivered to workshop locations; purchase tickets for extras at
Registration desk: $5.00
12:45 Students line up for Grand Entrance on 3 rd floor hallway of Rigglemann Hall
Vandalia Books will have books and CDs by authors/presenters for sale in the Rotunda in Riggleman
Hall. Authors/Presenters may be available to sign books/CDs there during Registration (8:00-9:00),
after lunch, (12:45-1:00), and after 3:00 p.m
2

Awards Ceremony
1:00-3:00
Door prize drawings (including Flip digital video cameras and Amazon Kindles)
will immediately follow the ceremony
Students must be present to win
Special Presentation by Ron Sowell and grade 9-10 County Winners
Remarks by Paul Epstein,
Director of Central West Virginia Writing Project
and Young Writers Contest
Readings by First Place State Winners
Introduced by Paul Epstein, Director, CWVWP
Presentation of Awards for First, Second, and Third Place State Winners
Presented by Dr. Teresa Eagle, Dean
Graduate School of Education and Professional Development
Marshall University
Recognition of County Winners
Presented by Dr. Teresa Eagle, Marshall University, Dr. Letha Zook, University of
Charleston, and Dr. Paige Carney, West Virginia State University
Vandalia Books will have books and CDs by authors/presenters and other WV authors for sale in the
Rotunda in Riggleman Hall. Authors/Presenters may be available to sign books/CDs in Rotunda
during Registration (8:00-9:00), after lunch, (12:30-1:00), and after 2:00 pm.
3

2013 State Winners
Grades 1-2
1 st Place
Aleecia Shelton
The Ravenous Elephant
Flemington Elementary School
Taylor County
Teacher: Kathleen Jones
2 nd Place
Elijah Williamson
The Chicken
Wayne Elementary School
Wayne County
Teacher: Lynn Ferguson
3 rd Place
Jordan Niggemyer
A Nature Adventure
Pleasant Valley Elementary School
Marion County
Teacher: Donna Ballas
Special Award
Allie Hanks
Freedom!
Zela Elementary School
Nicholas County
4

Grades 3-4
1 st Place
Danielle Carter
In A Stray Cat’s Heart
Poca Elementary School
Putnam County
Teacher: Mrs. Karen Hackett
2 nd Place
Seth Moore
The Mystic Candy Battle
Arthur I. Boreman Elementary School
Tyler County
Teacher: Cathy Boggs
3 rd Place
Levi Crider
Robotic Pencil
Road Branch Elementary School
Wyoming County
Teacher: Ms. Zastawniak
5

Grades 5-6
1 st Place
Heather Wolford
7 Seconds
Romney Middle School
Hampshire County
Teacher: B. Scott Willhide
2 nd Place
Aden Funkhouser
Runaway Slave
East Hardy Early Middle School
Hardy County
Teacher: Debra Hubbard
3 rd Place
Emma Eisenbeiss
The Lost Balloon
Frankford Elementary School
Greenbrier County
Teacher: Amber Workman
6

Grades 7-8
1 st Place
Lauren Hopper
Strawberry Field of Dreams
Ripley Middle School
Jackson County
Teachers: Tiffany Biliter and Tarah Clark
2 nd Place
Rylee Shahan
New York Times
Belington Middle School
Barbour County
Teacher: Ashley McCauley
3 rd Place
Anntwinette M. Fox
Indian Summer
Long Drain School
Wetzel County
Teacher: Mrs. Joni Yoho
7

Grades 9-10
1 st Place
Emily Harrell
On Wings of Change
Capital High School
Kanawha County
Teacher: M. Harrah
2 nd Place
Andrew Bohman
The Musician
Homeschool
Upshur County
Teacher: Beth Bohman
3 rd Place
Brianna Maguire
Butterfly Salvation
Paw Paw High School
Morgan County
Teacher: Melissa Huff Salvatore
8

Grades 11-12
1 st Place
Adelina Lancianese
Strong Roots
Woodrow Wilson High School
Raleigh County
Teacher: MeriBeth Underwood
2 nd Place
Haley McCord
The Orange Drives Me Mad
Lewis County High School
Lewis County
Teacher: Jena Pettit
3 rd Place
Myshna Napier
Amazing Grace
Magnolia High School
Wetzel County
Teacher: Patricia Jeffers
9

2012 County Winners
Barbour County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Camlin Teets
Mrs. Collier
Belington Elementary School
Lilah Coe
Mrs. Kelley
Belington Elementary School
Zoe Payne
Phyllis Zirkle
Belington Middle School
Rylee Shahan
Ashley McCauley
Belington Middle School
Brandon Taylor
H. Halfin
Philip Barbour High School
Ian Nuzum
Janet David
Philip Barbour High School
Berkeley County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Lily Campbell
Ms. Gladwell
Rosemont Elementary School
Henna O’Bryhim
Valerie Spataro
Rosemont Elementary School
Nathanael Catrow
Mrs. Eppinger
Hedgesville Middle School
Katie Unger
Maranda Ralph
Spring Mills Middle School
Mitchell Arvon
Ms. Craigo
Musselman High School
Shayla Gray
Ms. Craigo
Musselman High School
10

Boone County
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Elias Jeffrey
Mrs. Bell
Madison Elementary School
Ciera Kinder
Alice Latorre
Sherman High School
Braxton County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Judy Jenkins
Heather Sodaro
Frametown Elementary School
Trista Wayne
Minnie Coffman
Flatwoods Elementary School
Marilyn Hosey
Kristy Lowther
Frametown Elementary School
Courtney Hoover
Carla Dettman
Braxton County Middle School
Tiara Hunter
Brenda Gibson
Braxton County High School
Sammantha Norris
Brenda Gibson
Braxton County High School
11

Brooke County
Grades: 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Kavossy Lugo
Merrilou Inman
Colliers Primary School
Ethan Robey
Holly Yarter
Colliers Primary School
Emily Donley
Diane Rasz
Wellsburg Middle School
Leila Hannaoui
Dwight McUmar
Wellsburg Middle School
Samantha Foresha
Mrs. Misty Duvall
Brooke High School
Michelle Woodstuff
Mrs. Michelle Wade
Brooke High School
12

Calhoun County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Kiley Murphy
Jackie Dawson
Pleasant Hill Elementary School
Hunter Schoolcraft
Mrs. Westfall
Arnoldsburg Elementary School
Nolan Nelson
Sallie Chapman
Calhoun Middle High School
Seth Moore
Mrs. Cook
Calhoun Middle High School
Jenna Heater
Mrs. Henderson
Calhoun Middle High School
Kenadee Taylor
Mrs. Henderson
Calhoun Middle High School
Clay County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Lucas Coleman
Mary Stanley
Clay Elementary School
Taleigh White
Jeff Krauklis
Clay Elementary School
Sharina Ratliff
Crystal Hamrick & Sarah Holcomb
Clay County Middle School
Emily Morton
Kara Stover & Crystal Black
Clay County Middle School
Morgan Bragg
Sarah Bragg
Clay County High School
Crystal Ransbottom
Lisa Arnold
Clay County High School
13

Doddridge County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Isaiah Gains
Charlotte Ferguson
Doddridge County Elementary School
Tessa Sleeth
Alexis Edwards
Doddridge County Elementary School
Jayden Shaw
Vanda Spires
Doddridge County Middle School
J. Emily Carlson
Terry Trent
Doddridge County Middle School
Dillon Underwood
Ms. Brittany Swisher
Doddridge County High School
Samantha McCullough
Mrs. Christie Curran
Doddridge County High School
Fayette County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Kalila Hames
Allison Russell
Gatewood Elementary School
Trey Foster
Amy White
Fayetteville Elementary School
Naomi Weaver
Natasha Mucho
Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School
Savannah Kincaid
Keith Doherty
Fayetteville High School
Jared Morris
Mae Kessler
Midland Trail High School
Nicole Sheaves
Mrs. Lisa Goode
Meadow Bridge High School
14

Gilmer County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Kathrine Phares
Pam Minigh
Normantown Elementary School
Avery Brown
Tracy Arnold
Troy Elementary School
Madison Mohr
Tamera Moore
Normantown Elementary School
Tyler Moore
Mrs. Wine
Gilmer County High School
Trevor Wright
Tabatha Beall
Gilmer County High School
Tara Evans
Traci Evans
Gilmer County High School
Grant County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Jaryn Teets
Vicki Kitzmiller
Maysville Elementary School
Kyle Jolley
Michelle Phares
Maysville Elementary School
Savannah Wolford
Julie Colaw
Petersburg Elementary School
Abby Sindledecker
Sharon Sindledecker
Petersburg High School
Savannah McCoy
Aimee Cummings
Union Educational Complex
April Kessel
Angela Propst
Petersburg High School
15

Greenbrier County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Bailey Jones
Deborah W. Johnson
Ronceverte Elementary School
Zachary Ellis
Devan Simmons
Frankford Elementary School
Emma Eisenbeiss
Amber Workman
Frankford Elementary School
Bronwyn McMahan-O’Shea
Birch Graves
Greenbrier Episcopal School
Kachina Matheney
Jaye Arp
Greenbrier West High School
MacKinzie Smith
Juanita Spinks
Greenbrier West High School
Hampshire County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Peyton Duncan
Ms. Dolan
Romney Elementary School
Branden Bohrer
Mrs. Brinker
Slanesville Elementary School
Heather Wolford
B. Scott Willhide
Romney Middle School
Katlyn Brantner
Robin Lee
Romney Middle School
Taylor Bean
Carrie Greynolds
Hampshire High School
Sandra Smith
Stephanie Hawley
Hampshire High School
16

Hancock County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Breonna Parsons
Bonnie Queses
Liberty Elementary School
Mason Fierro
Angela Kalliope Glyptis
Weirton Heights Elementary School
Emily Budik
B. Switzer
Weir Middle School
Autumn Ford
Gail Creel
Weir Middle School
Regina Shreves
Sonya Patterson
Weir High School
Austin Buxton
Sherri Lengthorn
WV Northern Community College Middle College
Hardy County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Levi Howard
Mrs. Rachel Rumer
Moorefield Elementary School
Leah Swift
Emily Sherman
Moorefield Intermediate School
Aden Funkhouser
Debra Hubbard
East Hardy Early Middle School
Holly Williams
Beth Sager
East Hardy Early Middle School
RaeAnn Orndorff
Mr. Funkhouser
East Hardy High School
Ashley Walker
Mrs. Wolfe
East Hardy High School
17

Harrison County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Kendal Blair
Erin Day
Lost Creek Elementary School
Caleb Smith
Megan Bragg
Lost Creek Elementary School
Tristan Nolte
Jennifer Rome
Bridgeport Middle School
Emily McCarthy
Holly Williams
Bridgeport Middle School
Maggie Lohmann
Kitty Post
Bridgeport High School
Brianna Dufford
Amy Lohmann
Bridgeport High School
Jackson County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Dylan Casto
Mrs. Brenda Moss
Kenna Elementary School
Matthew Moore
Beth Holley
Ripley Elementary School
Haylee Casto
Denita Dale
Ripley Middle School
Lauren Hopper
Tiffany Biliter & Tarah Clark
Ripley Middle School
Faythe Maston
Ms. Emily Okes
Ripley High School
Jared Casto
Ms. Emily Okes
Ripley High School
18

Jefferson County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Addison Duncan
Laurie Robertson
North Jefferson Elementary School
Una Haines
Cary Gill
Shepherdstown Elementary School
Elsa Jenkins
Jennifer Jones
Shepherdstown Middle School
Isabella Reichel
Emily Zahradnik
Shepherdstown Middle School
Guillermo Jordan
Jen Nicholson
Washington High School
Christopher Ryman
Stephen Willingham
Washington High School
Kanawha County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Regan Geary
Marcie Whitehair
Clendenin Elementary School
Parker B. Rinehart
Mrs. Wendy Tomlin
Richmond Elementary School
Peyton White
Mrs. Amy Loftis
Alban Elementary School
Emily Keenan
Sara King
Cedar Grove Middle School
Emily Harrell
M. Harrah
Capital High School
Jacqueline Teed
Jeanette Cooper
George Washington High School
19

Lewis County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Morgan Hawkins
Lisa Vaillancourt
Jane Lew Elementary School
Benjamin Jerden
Barbara Mason
Jane Lew Elementary School
Rachel Hall
Mrs. Barbara King
Robert L. Bland Middle School
Jaden Shane McCord
Grace Harris
Robert L. Bland Middle School
Hannah Seckman
Michele Allen
Lewis County High School
Haley McCord
Jena Pettit
Lewis County High School
Lincoln County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Natalie Williams
Amanda Sowards
Midway Elementary School
Randyn Adkins
Tammie Adkins
West Hamlin Elementary School
Alli Little
Jodi Ice
Duval Middle School
Taylor Elswick
Fred Tackett
Duval Middle School
Ryan Coburn
Tammi Igo
Lincoln County High School
Adam Chandler
Jill Snyder
Lincoln County High School
20

Logan County
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Lauren Bell
Pam Roeher
Chapmanville Middle School
Emily Triplett
Cartney Pritchard
Chapmanville Middle School
Breanna Mayhorn
Theresa Dingess
Chapmanville Regional High School
Marion County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Jordan Niggemyer
Donna Ballas
Pleasant Valley Elementary School
Audrey Dukich
Patricia Tucker
East Dale Elementary School
Rhianna Lemasters
Cassandra Layman
West Fairmont Middle School
Sinead M. Tobin
Cynthia Garcia
Fairmont Catholic School
Cassidy Toothman
Melissa Garrett
East Fairmont High School
Sam Haines
Adrin Fisher
Fairmont Senior High School
21

Marshall County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Annie Martin
Mrs. Lyons & Mrs. Wendt
Cameron Elementary School
Isaac Ridgely
Courtney Filius
Central Elementary School
Julian Spielvogel
Mrs. Lyons
Hilltop Elementary School
Aubrey Fish
Mrs. Dantrassy
Sherrard Middle School
Rena Reid
Linda Shalaway
Cameron High School
Natalie Trowbridge
Linda Shalaway
Cameron High School
Mason County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Alex Hardman
Jane Burdette
Leon Elementary School
Lilly Karr
Rhonda Tennant
New Haven Elementary School
Aaron Beard
Jacque Richardson
New Haven Elementary School
Mary Kate Ross
Mrs. White
Hannan Junior/Senior High School
Desire Sparks
Mrs. White
Hannan Junior/Senior High School
Aaron McCallister
Mrs. White
Hannan Junior/Senior High School
22

McDowell County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Joey Tester
Vicki Galmish
Southside K-8 School
Brooke Bailey
Amanda Miller
Anawalt Elementary School
Justin Branham
Summer Short
Iaeger Elementary School
Alexandria Cooper
Laura Polston
Sandy River Middle School
Kilie Mullins
Deborah McNeil
River View High School
Amanda Hall
Deborah McNeil
River View High School
Mercer County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Jocelyn Main
Mrs. Foy
Memorial Primary School
Evan Bailey
Nancy Price
Mercer Elementary School
Andrea Butler
Angie Wimmer
Pikeview Middle School
Callie Lamb
Amy Harrison
Pikeview Middle School
Kevin Reynolds
Shelby Neal
Pikeview High School
Erica Dawn Ellington
Ginger Craft
Princeton Senior High School
23

Mineral County
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Makenna Staggers
Miss Litten
Keyser Primary Middle School
Alyssa Taylor
Mrs. Willison
Keyser Primary Middle School
Noah Irving
Mr. Alkire
Frankfort High School
Tessa Sawyers
Mr. Alkire
Frankfort High School
Mingo County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Emma Hurley
Mr. Craig Parker
Mingo Elementary School
Kylie Ellis
Charlotte May
Gilbert Elementary School
Telena Steele
Stephanie Kirk
Matewan Middle School
Haley Hatfield
Nancy Kline
Lenore K-8 School
Catelynn Gillman
Elizabeth Keatley
Mingo Central High School
Meredith Ramella
Kate Endicott
Mingo Central High School
24

Monongalia County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
d 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Zoe Keefover
Debbie McIntosh
Suncrest Primary School
Cole Sickles
Amy Delawder
Mountainview Elementary School
Emma Gray
Deidre Law
Mountainview Elementary School
Madeline Wright
Carrie Harris
Mountaineer Middle School
Tesla Hickey
Kevin Colistra
University High School
Daniel Berrebi
Mrs. Alvarez
Morgantown High School
Monroe County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Sydney Hunt
Mrs. Wilson
Peterstown Elementary School
Kendra Karnes
Erin Copenhaver
Peterstown Elementary School
Leah Copeland
Mrs. Dunlap
Peterstown Middle School
Mary Hammons
Julie Taylor
Mountain View Elementary and Middle School
Allison Lowe
Diane Sparks-Isom
James Monroe High School
Cody Kaluk
Jeffrey Goff
James Monroe High School
25

Morgan County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Audrey Helmick
Mrs. Staci Hutchinson
Paw Paw Elementary School
Abigail Robinette
Summer McClintock
Pleasant View Elementary School
Anna McKee
Beth Golden
Warm Springs Middle School
Jillian Cheek
Paula Banks
Warm Springs Middle School
Brianna Maguire
Melissa Huff Salvatore
Paw Paw High School
Collin Donadieu
Ms. Lorigan
Berkeley Springs High School
Nicholas County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Mason Stone
Janice Perkins-Meadows
Glade Creek Elementary School
Garrett Kesterson
Tami Marks
Mt. Nebo Elementary School
Emma Berg
Tami Marks
Mt. Nebo Elementary School
River Myers
Mrs. Sue Amick
Richwood Middle School
John Dakota Lawson
Sue Hutchison
Richwood High School
Nicole Hamilton
Sharon Tucker
Nicholas County High School
26

Ohio County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Devyn Poole
Mrs. Neuhardt
Ritchie Elementary School
Adesh R. Urval
Ms. Heidi S. Hohman
Steenrod Elementary School
Elizabeth Stern
Diana Tucker
Triadelphia Middle School
Taylor Hartman
Heather Vickers
Bridge Street Middle School
Katie Adase
Jorden Seabright
Wheeling Park High School
Hannah Hlad
Heidi Frazier
Wheeling Park High School
Pendleton County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Caitlyn Cooper
Cindy Wilkins
North Fork Elementary School
Cole Day
Dana Yokum
Franklin Elementary School
Emily Lenz
Mike Vargo
Franklin Elementary School
27

Pleasants County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Willow Peyton
Mrs. Paula Oliverio
Belmont Elementary School
Reagan Williams
Karen Conaway
St. Marys Elementary School
Ashley Powell
Doug Miller
Pleasants County Middle School
Savannah Skorupinski
Paige Cook
Pleasants County Middle School
Pocahontas County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Robert Pritt
Laura Pritt
Hillsboro Elementary School
Sarah Warder
Jessica Dean
Marlinton Elementary School
Taylor Tegtmeyer
Stephanie Burns
Marlinton Middle School
Laura Leyzarek
Leslie Cain
Marlinton Middle School
Caitlin Barnes
Glenda VanReenan
Pocahontas County High School
Clayton Irvine
Mrs. Fleming
Pocahontas County High School
28

Preston County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Nevaeh Johnson
Linda Knotts
Fellowsville Elementary School
Madilynn Shreve
Mrs. Debra Zigray
Kingwood Elementary School
Laurel Williams
K. Melissa Brewer
Rowlesburg School
Carly Barlow
Brandy Childs
Central Preston Middle School
Ella Better
Mrs. Silcott
Preston High School
Putnam County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Brooklyn Blackwell
Susan Bennett
Scott Teays Elementary School
Danielle Carter
Mrs. Karen Hackett
Poca Elementary School
Hannah Nunley
Janetta Burdette
Eastbrook Elementary School
Madison Martin
Kayleigh Gillespie
Winfield Middle School
Alec Neu
Ronda Moncada
Hurricane High School
29

Raleigh County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Alexis Cozort
Mrs. Jill Daniel
Fairdale Elementary School
Bailey Heffeman
Ms. Baker
Mabscott Elementary School
Bailey Palmer
Marcy Lilly
Beckley-Stratton Middle School
Abby Roop
A. Hardman
Beckley-Stratton Middle School
Emily Akers
Kathy Vaughan
Shady Spring High School
Adelina Lancianese
MeriBeth Underwood
Woodrow Wilson High School
Randolph County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Caydin Daniels
Ms. McKenzie
North Elementary School
Jade Neubauer
Mrs. Leah Shepler
Jennings Randolph Elementary School
Hannah Parsons
Donna Knotts
Pickens School
Teresa Fincham
Mrs. Walters
Tygarts Valley Middle School
Walter King
Mrs. Brewster
Elkins High School
Edward Maurer
Mrs. Brewster
Elkins High School
30

Ritchie County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Dana Nelson
Nancy Wells
Creed Collins Elementary School
Candice Ramsey
Mrs. Christie Haddox
Harrisville Elementary School
Savanna Smith
Mrs. Brenda Cox
Ritchie County Middle School
Wren Downs
Judy Bragg
Ritchie County Middle School
Taylor Mace
Erica Backus
Ritchie County High School
Devon Jones
Mrs. Goff
Ritchie County High School
Roane County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Abby Jarrell
Michelle Eastman
Spencer Elementary School
F. Chandler
Pam McDonough
Geary Elementary Middle School
Silken Harlan
Kayla Smith
Geary Elementary Middle School
Shelby Lassiter
Sati Maharay-Boggs
Spencer Middle School
31

Summers County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Keegan Sykes
Rhnea Hylton
Jumping Branch Elementary School
Hallie Rodes
John Ramsey
Hinton Area Elementary School
Logan Bennett
Alex Walters
Summers Middle School
Savannah Lowe
Brenda Braswell
Summers Middle School
Taylor County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Aleecia Shelton
Kathleen Jones
Flemington Elementary School
Skylar Wooddell
Winifred Proudfoot
West Taylor Elementary School
Cayce Dakon
Cindy Oliver
Taylor County Middle School
Kourtney Weaver
Lynn Smith
Taylor County Middle School
32

Tucker County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Camille Smith
Mrs. Tracy Harlan
Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School
Karley Kyle
Cynthia Goughnour
Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School
Shawn Bast
Elspeth DeLeurere
Davis-Thomas Elementary Middle School
Melanie Adams
Angie Humphrey
Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School
Tyler County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12
Teacher:
School:
Abigail Kimble
Sue Weekly
Arthur I. Boreman Elementary School
Seth Moore
Cathy Boggs
Arthur I. Boreman Elementary School
Alaina Thompson
Lisa Feldmeier
Tyler Consolidated Middle School
Alexis Jenkins
Rebecca Childers
Tyler Consolidated Middle School
Breanna Snyder
Maggie Fisher
Tyler Consolidated High School
Amanda Dawson
Mrs. Patricia Thomas
Tyler Consolidated High School
33

Upshur County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Zach Calef-Boring
Jeanine Allen
Tennerton Elementary School
Brooklyn Herron
Stacy Marteney
Hodgesville Elementary School
Dakota Russell
Mrs. Sherry McDaniels
Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School
Hannah Eshelman
Thomas Oldaker
Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School
Andrew Bohman
Beth Bohman
Home school
Wayne County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Elijah Williamson
Lynn Ferguson
Wayne Elementary School
Karli McCloud
April Fitzpatrick
Prichard Elementary School
Kim Holland
Cheryl Smith
Buffalo Middle School
Alex Webb
Jana Peek
Ceredo-Kenova Middle School
Caitlyn Copley
Sabrina Hill
Tolsia High School
Christian Hogan
Ms. Sherri Kirk
Spring Valley High School
34

Webster County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Jayden McCourt
Mrs. Darlene Ratliff
Webster Springs Elementary School
Addison Hanshaw
Lisa Fleming
Glade Elementary School
Seth Vandevender
Mrs. Lori Kidd
Webster Springs Elementary School
Takoda Knarr
Tila Boyce
Diana Elementary School
Dorothy Davis
Beth Mollohan
Webster County High School
Esther Hamrick
Greta Cox
Webster County High School
Wetzel County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Roxie Huggins
Olivia Gump
Long Drain School
Cameron Spencer
Linda Haught
Shortline School
Alli Suter
Carla Wade and Kim Underwood
Paden City Elementary School
Anntwinette Fox
Joni Yoho
Long Drain School
Haley Hizer
Ms. Cindy Kocher
Paden City High School
Myshna Napier
Patricia Jeffers
Magnolia High School
35

Wirt County
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Austin Dille
Cheri Gray
Wirt County Primary Center
Haley McKown
Gayle Hickman
Wirt County Middle School
Caitlin Cottrell
Karen Offutt
Wirt County Middle School
Cameron Nelson
Mrs. Collins
Wirt County High School
Kayla Bain
April Petrovsky
Wirt County High School
Wood County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 9-10:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Erica Garrett
Paula DeLong
Lubeck Elementary School
Kylee Dean
Stacy Allman
Kanawha Elementary School
Kelsie Sanders
Rebecca Crawford
Greenmont Elementary School
Bethany Welch
Yvonne Powderly
Parkersburg Catholic High School
Casey Miller
Jim Smith
Parkersburg South High School
Carmen Thorne
Yvonne Powderly
Parkersburg Catholic High School
36

Wyoming County
Grades 1-2:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 3-4:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 5-6:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 7-8:
Teacher:
School:
Grades 11-12:
Teacher:
School:
Dalton Cook
Diane Meadows
Berlin McKinney Elementary School
Levi Crider
Ms. Zastawniak
Road Branch Elementary School
Julie Brown
Tammie R. Cook
Oceana Middle School
Jason Morgan
Max Boyce
Glen Fork Elementary & Middle School
McKenzie Endicott
Alesha Mullins
Westside High School
37

Introducing Our Authors and Presenters
Beth Campbell: Folklorist and writer Beth Campbell has worked with public history,
humanities, and arts organizations to produce museum exhibits, oral history projects, and
cultural programs. She is also a committed educator; she has taught in both K-12 schools
and universities and has worked with students from ten to seventy. Beth’s work has appeared
in popular, professional, and academic publications. She is co-author of The Other Side of
Middletown, a community-university text that won a Margaret Mead Award. She currently
teaches in Marshall University’s Graduate School of Education and Professional
Development; her research explores how writing can bring communities and universities
together.
Marc Harshman: was named Poet Laureate of West Virginia in May 2012. For many
years, he taught fifth and sixth grades at the Sand Hill School, one of the last of the threeroom
country schools. Raised in Indiana, he has lived his adult life in West Virginia. The
author of eleven picture books for children, he is also a poet and storyteller. His children's
books have received several awards and recognition for excellence, including the
Smithsonian Notable Book for Children, and Booklist Notable Book for Social Studies. He
holds degrees from Bethany College, Yale University Divinity School, and the University of
Pittsburgh. His newest children’s book is ONLY ONE NEIGHBORHOOD. His full-length
collection of poems, GREEN-SILVER AND SILENT, was just published last year.
Ron Sowell: Best known for his role as music director for the internationally acclaimed
public radio show Mountain Stage, Ron Sowell is a dynamic singer/songwriter, guitarist,
harmonica player, producer, and critically acclaimed children’s artist. He has toured
throughout the US and taken his music to Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Greece, Crete,
Turkey, and Ethiopia. He has shared the stage with well-known artists Kathy Mattea, Lyle
Lovette, and Nora Jones and has sung with bluegrass bands and symphony orchestras. In
2003, he released Opposite Day, a collection of original and traditional songs for children.
He teaches singing/songwriting and performs extensively for young audiences.
Sarah Sullivan is the author of 4 picture books, including Passing the Music Down, a
2012 N.C.T.E. Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts, a Bank Street College Best
Children's Book for 2012 and a nominee for the West Virginia Children's Choice Book
Award. Her first middle grade novel, All That's Missing, will be published by Candlewick in
October. A former attorney, Sarah holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults
from Vermont College. When not writing, she leads writing workshops for adults and
children and gives presentations in schools and libraries throughout the country.
Cheryl Ware is the author of the humorous Venola Mae Cutright series, including Flea
Circus Summer, Catty Cornered, Venola in Love, and Venola the Vegetarian. Her picture
book, Roberta Price has Head Lice, deals with a bully extraordinaire who learns an
important lesson. Ms. Ware lives in Elkins, West Virginia, and spends her time conducting
(and enjoying) writing workshops in the public schools.
38

WV Young Writers Contest Steering Committee
Dr. Elizabeth Campbell, Marshall University South Charleston Campus
Dr. Paige Carney, West Virginia State University
Paul Epstein, Director, Central WV Writing Project and WV Young Writers Contest
Dr. Calandra Lockhart, Interim Education Program Coordinator, University of Charleston
Alexis McConihay, Administrative Assistant, Education Program, University of Charleston
Alma Simpson, Curriculum Coordinator, WV Department of Education
Dr. Letha Zook, Provost, University of Charleston
Jennifer Allen
Meredith Byrd
Theresa Dingess
WV Young Writers Contest Judges* 2013
Lisa Miller
Emily Patterson
Rebecca Ryder
Debbie Goff
Cyndi Smith
Anne Johnson
Brianne Vandal
Brenda McBrayer
Travis Vandal
*Judges are teachers associated with National Writing Project sites in West Virginia.
West Virginia Young Writers Contest and Young Writers Day are initiatives of
National Writing Project sites in West Virginia:
Central WV Writing Project and National Writing Project at West Virginia University;
and the West Virginia Department of Education
Major Sponsors
State of West Virginia, Earl Ray Tomblin, Governor
University of Charleston
Marshall University Graduate College of Education and Professional Development