February 28, 2020 at 4:19 p.m.
Rhinelander students submit spectacular stories
Writing contest sponsored by GFWC Rhinelander Woman's Club
Rhinelander students submit spectacular stories
By Stephanie Kuski-
Cindy Goll, president of GFWC Rhinelander Woman's Club and chief organizer of the writing contest, said 70 participants in third through eighth grade from across the School District of Rhinelander submitted poems and short stories that were judged for this competition.
"We started it last year to encourage creativity in writing and support the students in the Rhinelander community," Goll said. "We know there's talent out there and we want them to have a venue to express their creativity in writing."
First place winners received $20, second place received $15, third place received $10 and honorable mentions received $5. All submissions were awarded a certificate, ribbon and a free McDonald's sundae.
In the category of poetry for grades 3-5, first place went to Cassidy Linder, "Fall Senses;" second place was awarded to Roan Childs, "Sledding;" and Tatiana Vadis' "Art" won third place. Honorable mention was awarded to Treyden Karaba, "Mighty Indoraptor;" Josh Collins, "My Dog Spike;" and Matthew Wood, "Oh Hubble Space Telescope."
For grades 3-5 in the category of short story, Cassidy Linder won first place with "Grandpa Charlie;" Riley Pappas won second place with "The Apple;" and third place was awarded to Tatiana Vadis for "A Life in the Past." Honorable mentions were awarded to Hazel VanCamp, "Samuel's Adventure with Chestnut;" Lena Pickens, "Psychic Penelope;" and Sonja Bureta, "Wendy in Winter Wonderland."
In grades 6-8 for the category of poetry, first place was awarded to Sydney Kuckkan for her "Hazy Morning Reflections;" Eva Hetland took home second place for "The Little Things;" and Sophie Miljevich was awarded third place for "Sweet Summer Days." Honorable mentions were also awarded to Kate Ripple for "Clouds" and Ellyse Younker, "Swim Race."
For short stories in grades 6-8, first place was awarded to Nicole Brunette, "Little by Little;" Elle Schmitz received second place for "Fighting the World;" and Oceana Patulski won third place for "Journey to Friendship." Honorable mentions were awarded to Brianna Birginal, "Homeward Bound;" Kelsey Yunkers, "Vanished;" and Ben Olson, "White Descent."
Those students who came to the awards ceremony knew they had been chosen for a prize, but didn't know which award they would be receiving. Students in the crowd waited in excited anticipation for their awards.
Lena Pickens, a third grader at Nativity Catholic School, said she was excited to be chosen because she was the youngest student participating. She said her short story "Psychic Penelope" was inspired by the many fantasy books she likes to read.
Eva Hetland, an eighth grader at Nativity, wrote a poem titled "The Little Things," which she said she enjoyed writing.
"It's about the little things, so what makes you happy," Hetland explained. "It doesn't have to be a big thing, just small things that could make your day or impact you."
Hetland said she likes to write short stories but took a chance in writing a poem this year.
Sydney Kuckkan is a seventh grader representing the Virtual Learning Academy. She said her poem, which won first place, was part of a project for school. She said this was a unique opportunity because she hasn't had her creative work on display before.
Nicole Brunette, an eighth grader at James Williams Middle School (JWMS), also said this was her first time having her writing on display in a public setting.
Brunette's short story, titled "Little by Little," earned her first place in the short story category. She said her story starts with hardship in the beginning, but the main character is able to overcome and succeed in the end.
Brunette said she enjoys her literature classes with Mrs. Higgins at JWMS.
Kristin Higgins, the eighth grade English and language arts teacher at JWMS, said she chose writing from roughly 25 students to submit in this competition.
"We have a narrative writing unit, and I said 'write about anything you want, I want to see a story that you are passionate about,'" Higgens said. "I'm really proud of the work they put in and the passion they had for their stories."
Higgins said the artwork on display in ArtStart's community gallery which features students from the School District of Rhinelander was nice to highlight alongside student writing.
In addition to the awards ceremony last week, first place winners in each category will also be sent to the GFWC statewide competition.
Goll said two local first place winners went on to win at the state level last year, which encouraged the club to expand the contest from grades 6-8 to grades 3-8.
Goll thanked those who participated.
"We appreciate the students sharing their creative poems and short stories with the Rhinelander community," Goll said, "and we are grateful ArtStart offers such a wonderful venue for the writing exhibit."
Winners of the statewide competition will be announced in May.
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