Students from across Wyoming have the opportunity to share their writing, creativity, and literary talents as part of their District’s Young Authors Competition. From there, each district’s first-place awardees are sent to the Wyoming State Literacy Association’s Statewide Young Author’s Competition.
The Wyoming State Literacy Association recently held its 2022-2023 Young Authors Statewide Celebration in Casper. Students, families, teachers, local authors Casey Day Rislov and Leslie Colburn, along with Wyoming State Literacy Association members, gathered together to recognize and celebrate student literary success and creativity. Members of the WSLA work diligently to support the well-loved tradition of this annual writing contest. “WSLA reorganized after the pandemic with a focus on the Young Author Program due to the demand of students, parents, and teachers to continue the tradition of the writing contest. We often hear parents state they had entered the contest years ago, and now their children are learning the love of writing by entering their stories in Young Authors. Since many school districts have writing goals as part of their strategic plans, the program offers students an authentic experience in writing as they use the writing process to perfect their entry for others to see,” shared WSLA member and teacher Jill Felbeck-Jones.
Fifteen student authors from Natrona County School District were celebrated as statewide first-place winners. These young authors have displayed exceptional literary skills, weaving words into captivating narratives that resonate with readers. Author Casey Day Rislov shared some words of encouragement for the student-authors, “Keep reading for inspiration, writing to unlock personal creativity, reach out to other creatives and supportive people, and keep the belief that you can do anything!”
Devin Hodgins, Centennial Librarian, and NCSD Young Authors Coordinator, excitedly anticipates the celebration of literary excellence each year, “Writing, illustrating, and putting together an entire book requires ingenuity, passion, and a whole lot of hard work. It encourages learners throughout our community to explore their interests and to share their ideas with creativity, imagination, and expressiveness.”
As part of NCSD’s Strategic Plan, we are committed to working together with parents and our community to support all students as they work to meet or exceed literacy expectations. "The Natrona County Young Authors Awards and Statewide Competition, in partnership with NCSD librarian professionals and teachers, provides an exceptional opportunity for students to celebrate and showcase their literary talents! These talented students have proven themselves to be the literary stars of tomorrow, demonstrating a level of proficiency and imagination that is truly awe-inspiring.” shared Tanya Southerland, NCSD Director of Public Relations. “Congratulations to all student participants, and thank you to the educators and families that encourage, support, and inspire them to read, write, and achieve."
Bravo, literary superstars, on your shining success!
The 2023-2024 Natrona County Young Authors competition is right around the corner; for more information on how your student can participate, click here or contact NCSD Librarian Devin Hodges at [email protected].
Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Wyoming State Literacy Association Young Author First Place Winners
Kindergarten
Fiction
Ray Pedri ~ Rock Springs ~ Teacher: Miss Smith
Non-Fiction
Holly Meade ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Abigail Wilcox
Poetry
Ellie Marttinen ~ Rozet ~ Teacher: Mrs. Rankin
Graphic Novel
Liv Wilkes ~ Casper ~ Teachers: Liz Harris/Esmeralda Cortes
1st Grade
Fiction
Riley Camarillo ~ Burns ~ Teacher: Susanne Sears
Non-Fiction
Griffin Grote ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Michelle Stoneking
Poetry
London Hitch ~ Jackson ~ Teacher: Kimie Nichols
Graphic Novel
Zoey Halbrook ~ Gillette ~ Teacher: Mrs. Davis
2nd Grade
Fiction
Artemis Smith ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Loreena Houchin
Non-Fiction
Rozlyn Hurd ~ Rock Springs ~ Teacher: Mrs. Klopfenstein
Poetry
Maren Dittmar ~ Jackson ~ Teacher: Julie Carr
Graphic Novel
Hattie G. Laing ~ Cody ~ Teacher: Tess Donham
3rd Grade
Fiction
Genevieve Helm ~ Evanston ~ Teacher: Haily Hicks
Non-Fiction
Jase Dickinson ~ Shoshoni ~ Teacher: Barb Engelbrecht
Poetry
Rietta Kissack ~ Gillette ~ Teacher: Mrs. Rankin
Graphic Novel
Everly Cunningham ~ Afton ~ Teacher: Mrs. Klindt
4th Grade
Fiction
Micha Baxter ~ Powell ~ Teacher: Mrs. Feller
Non-Fiction
Gretta Kassens ~ Shoshoni ~ Teacher: Annie Good
Poetry
Braxton Oedekoven ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Teri King
Graphic Novel
Sarah Zender ~ Jackson ~ Teacher: Mrs. Bernard
5th Grade
Fiction
Jonathan Long ~ Cheyenne ~ Teacher: Elizabeth Long
Non-Fiction
James Heny ~ Powell ~ Teacher: Mrs. Carter
Poetry
Jonathan Long ~ Cheyenne ~ Teacher: Elizabeth Long
Graphic Novel
Angel Galicia ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Janet Blackwelder
6th Grade
Fiction
Karlyn Theobald ~ Pine Bluffs ~ Teacher: Todd Thompson
Non-Fiction
Gabriella Grace Washut ~ Lander ~ Teachers: Kristeen Ponciano/Erin Washut
Poetry
Trenton Robbins ~ Worland ~ Teacher: Laureena Houchin
Graphic Novel
Liam Reaves ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Rebecca Brachtenbach
7th Grade
Fiction
Mickaela Knoepfle ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Stacy Mogen
Non-Fiction
Cooper Chaney ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Lindsay Casey
Poetry
Jim Black ~ Powell ~ Teacher: Kalberer
8th Grade
Fiction
Sarah Hunter ~ Gilette ~ Teacher: Andrea Olson
Non-Fiction
Kylee Bitton ~ Evanston
Poetry
Logan Brown ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Laura Deal
9th Grade
Fiction
Natalie Mitchell ~ Rock Springs
Non-Fiction
Sabrina Ray Fletcher ~ Rock Springs ~ Teacher: Michelle Kite
Poetry
Laura Ramos ~ Rock Springs ~ Teacher: Michelle Kite
10th Grade
Fiction
Anjali Kimberly-Huque ~ Jackson ~ Teacher: Dave Baczko
Non-Fiction
Madeline Elston ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Carl Myers
Poetry
Gabriella Downing ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Gretchen Taylor
Graphic Novel
Estevan Lira ~ Jackson ~ Teacher: Dave Baczko
11th Grade
Fiction
Rachael Drucker ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Melanie Kelly
Non-Fiction
Olivia Ellis ~ Casper ~ Teacher: Jamie Tipps
Poetry
Emma Johnson ~ Powell ~ Teacher: Mr. Burns
12th Grade
Fiction
Ethan Cearlock ~ Powell ~ Teacher: Logan Burns
Non-Fiction
Alaina Kothe ~ Rock Springs ~ Teacher: Amber Greene
Poetry
Elora Umbach ~ Homeschool ~ Teacher: Therese Hurt
Graphic Novel
Alaina Kothe ~ Rock Springs ~ Teacher: Amber Greene