Writing contest awards Moulten and Haas

Published 10:59 pm Monday, May 25, 2009

Two Plateau-area students were announced as winners in the short-story category of the 2009 Pierce County Library System’s 13th annual teen writing contest, Our Own Words. The contest ran from Feb. 8 to March 21.

Alyssa Moulton, a seventh-grade student at Mountain View Middle School in Bonney Lake, took second place for her entry, “Strawberry Vodka.”

Erin Haas, a North Tapps Middle School eighth grader, took third place for her short story, “Eva.”

The library system received more than 800 entries for this year’s coveted contest. Each was reviewed by library staff and PCL Foundation board members.

The winners were selected by young adult and children’s fantasy author Dia Calhoun and poet David Whited. They ria was based on originality, style, general presentation, grammar and spelling, said PCL Communications Director Mary Getchell.

Neel Parikh, library system executive director, was pleased with the display of this year’s talent.

“Pierce County Library congratulates all the teenagers on their strong writing skills and amazing ideas,” he said. “Each student is a winner. The library and the community benefit from these outstanding young people’s contributions.”

Moulton and Haas will read their winning entries at 7 tonight, Wednesday, at Pacific Lutheran University, Lagerquist Concert Hall, and will also receive cash prizes from the foundation.

Refreshments will be served following the free event and each entry will be posted online at http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/kids-teens/teens/teen-writing-contest/.

Books featuring all of the winning entries will be available for sale at each branch of the library system.

Reach Judy Halone at 360-802-8210 or jhalone@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/courierherald.