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Local students win Writer's Guild contest
Three area students won recognition for their superb writing abilities in a recent writing contest.
The Joplin Writer's Guild conducted a writing contest for young writers on May 1. Entering the contest proved to be successful for Melissa DeCocq and Ashley Aden both of Nevada, in addition to Jakob Roberts, Fort Scott.
According to contest coordinator Jeff Feuquay, the contest, which was sponsored by the Joplin Writer's Guild and the Joplin Public Library, was open to students in sixth grade through 12th grades who live within a 65-mile radius of Joplin, Mo.
DeCocq, who submitted a fiction piece titled, "Perfect Alibi," received $25 and a certificate for her first-place entry. Aden received $15 and a certificate for her second-place fiction story, "My Brother is the Ultimate Girl," and Roberts entered a non-fiction autobiographical story called "My Life," which earned him $25, a certificate and first place in that category.
In a written document provided by Feuquay, DeCocq said she was excited to find out her writing is enjoyable to read.
" It's really nice to know that I do have the ability to capture a reader's attention," DeCocq said.
The awards ceremony, which honored the three students was conducted on July 10, at the Joplin Public Library. Both Aden and Roberts were asked to read their literary pieces to those present at the ceremony. DeCocq was unable to attend the ceremony due to a scheduling conflict.
For Aden, being given the opportunity to read her piece in front of others was easier than she first thought it would be.
"Reading my work to the Guild and all the guests was a real thrill. Fortunately, not nearly as scary as I thought it would be," Aden said.
According to Feuquay, all three students have been successful in previous writing competitions.
Both Roberts and DeCocq previously received honorable mentions in the Gordon Parks High School Poetry/Essay Contest.
In addition, one of Aden's poems was previously published by the League of American Poets.
Feuquay said the fundamental goal of the writing contest is to encourage students who enjoy writing to do so. Also, the contest creates an opportunity for these students to be recognized for their early skill. Hopefully, the competition will be able to provide even greater encouragement to build upon the students' abilities, Feuquay said.
According to Feuquay, the Joplin Writers Guild meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Joplin Public Library, 300 S. Main St., Joplin, Mo.
Planning is already underway for the next contest, with announcements planned for early in the school year.