Students from grades kindergarten through seventh grade were recognized for their excellence in writing on January 14, 2026 in the WASHS auditorium. This contest, developed by WASHS junior Zoe Bowersox was designed to encourage and recognize learners who are too young to participate in the nationally known Scholastic Art and Writing Contest, which doesn't allow for entries until children are thirteen.
Depending on grade level, students were given the opportunity to submit works of fiction, non fiction, and poetry. Community members Maxine Beck, Marie Lanser Beck, Emily Dickey, Christel Ruzicka, Danielle Neff, Sara Yost, Barbara Bowersox, Stacey Snowberger and Bobbi Blubaugh graciously served as judges in the multi-round judging process. 150 pieces were submitted in this introductory year of the competition.
Prizes were awarded to the top three pieces in each category and grand prize winners were awarded in each age group. Category prizes were provided by Grove Bowersox Funeral Home, and grand prizes were provided by Professor Neil Connelly and Shippensburg University. First place learners earned $50.00, and second and third place winners earned $5.00. All winners were awarded a medal and certificate. Grand prize winners received an additional $25.00 from Shippensburg University. Professor Connelly, the South Central Regional Director of the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, awarded these prizes and spoke to the attendees during the ceremony about the importance of writing as a lifelong skill.
Left to right Grand Prize winners: Mr. Neil Connelly, Hazel Dorius, Lucia Oslik, Ra'hannafaith Young, Jaxon Carver, Zoe Bowersox
2025-26 WASD WRITING CONTEST WINNERS
Kindergarten–Grade 1
Fiction: First Place – Jaxon Carver; Second Place – Diana Romanelli; Third Place – Molly Barnhart
Nonfiction: First Place – Grace Neff; Second Place – Amelia Carter; Third Place – Maverick Ridenour
Grand Prize Winner: Jaxon Carver
Grades 2–3
Fiction: First Place – Lucia Oslik; Second Place – Vivien Oslik; Third Place – Maya Marvin
Nonfiction: First Place – Carson Koontz; Second Place – Harper McGregor; Third Place – Mireli Thompson
Grand Prize Winner: Lucia Oslik
Grades 4–5
Fiction: First Place – Reece McKendrick; Second Place – Madelyn Kemp; Third Place – Hawken Test
Nonfiction: First Place – Ra’hannafaith Young; Second Place – Emma Hind; Third Place – Siari Ortega
Poetry: First Place – Layla Bingaman; Second Place – Annabelle Marvin; Third Place – Corbin Leonard
Grand Prize Winner: Ra’hannafaith Young
Grades 6–7
Fiction: First Place – Lindsey Yockel; Second Place – Hazel Dorius; Third Place – Mykayla White
Nonfiction: First Place – Hazel Dorius
Poetry: First Place – Leslie Sabine; Second Place – Aliza Marshall; Third Place – Mykayla White
Grand Prize Winner: Hazel Dorius