CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Hundreds of student authors were honored May 11 as part of the 29^th Annual Young Writers Celebration, a statewide competition that recognizes and encourages writing excellence in all grades.

“Writing is one of the most important skills for academic and professional success,” said West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Jorea Marple. “As we prepare students for the 21st century, clear communication through writing is more important than ever for future success.”

The annual event is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and the West Virginia Writing Project, which is part of the effort to improve writing in America. With three sites in West Virginia, Central West Virginia Writing Project (Central WVWP), Marshall University Writing Project, and the National Writing Project at West Virginia University, the Writing Project builds the leadership, programs and research needed for teachers to help their students become successful writers and learners.

The contest is funded through an allocation in the state budget to West Virginia’s National Writing Project sites and supported by the WVDE, Marshall University Graduate College of Education and Professional Development, the University of Charleston and the Charleston Daily Mail. The contest encourages classroom writing and honors first through 12^th grade writers in every West Virginia county.

In addition, the Barbara W. Walters Memorial College Scholarship was awarded to Amanda Entinger from Mountain View Christian, Fayette County

The celebration included talks by Marple and University of Charleston President Ed Welch. Workshops also were offered by West Virginia authors Colleen Anderson, Anna Smucker, Cheryl Ware and Elizabeth Campbell. Ron Sowell, songwriter and music director of West Virginia Public Radio’s Mountain Stage, performed as well.

As many as 800 students, teachers and family members attend Young Writers Day at the University of Charleston each year from all over the state of West Virginia.

For more information contact the WVDE Office of Communication at (304) 558-2699.

2012 WV Young Writers Contest Winners

Barbara W. Walters Memorial College Scholarship 2012 Senior Winner: Amanda Entinger, Mountain View Christian, Fayette County

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