Anderson Oconee Pickens

Easley, T.L. Hanna High School Students Win Top Honors at Tri-County's Annual Writing Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/14/2008

CONTACT:  ROBIN MCFALL, 646-1360
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Seniors from T.L. Hanna High School took first, second and third-place honors in the short story category at Tri-County Technical College's Ruby S. Hicks Memorial Writing Contest Awards Ceremony.

The event, held February 13, recognizes the creative writing abilities of area high school students.

Winning first place in the short story category was Drew Welborn.  He received $150 and a plaque.  Julia Miranda won second place and received a $75 award and plaque.  Aiken Hamilton received the third-place prize and a plaque and $25.

Easley High students took home two major awards in the poetry category -- Kassandra Harris, a ninth grader, won first place for her poetry and received $150 and a plaque.  Amanda McIntosh, a sophomore, took second place.  She received a plaque and $75.  Capturing the third-place prize was Zachary Wilson, a senior at Palmetto High School.  He received a plaque and $25.

Easley High students took home two major awards in the poetry category -- Kassandra Harris, a ninth grader, won first place for her poetry and received $150 and a plaque.  Amanda McIntosh, a sophomore, took second place.  She received a plaque and $75.  Capturing the third-place prize was Zachary Wilson, a senior at Palmetto High School.  He received a plaque and $25.

Other winners include:

          Honorable mentions for the short story category went to Madysen Cheek, a ninth grader at Palmetto High School, Helena Jianna Hudson Carlock, a senior at D.W. Daniel High School, and Allison Jarriel, a senior at T.L. Hanna.  They each received $20.

Honorable mentions for the poetry category went to Wei-Huan Chen and Rachel Withington, both seniors at Daniel, and Melissa Ridley, a sophomore at Easley.  They each received $20.

For the seventh consecutive year, Mike and Brenda Cannon of Anderson are the patrons of the contest.  Mr. and Mrs. Cannon, in honor of their sons, Brooks and Ross, funded the cash awards for the winners of the writing competition.

Since 1986, the event has recognized the creative writing abilities of area high school students.  Several years ago, the English Department renamed its annual writing contest to honor the late Ruby S. Hicks for her patronage, her encouragement and her friendship.  For years, Mrs. Hicks graciously donated funds and encouraged the College to continue recognizing the creative talents of area high school students with an annual contest.  Tri-County Technical College's Foundation sponsored the event.