Anderson Oconee Pickens

Walhalla High, New Covenant Students Win Top Honors at Tri-County's Annual Writing Contest

CONTACT:  ROBIN MCFALL, 646-1360

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3/9/2010
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Students from Walhalla High and New Covenant schools took first-place honors in the poetry and short story categories at Tri-County Technical College's Ruby S. Hicks Memorial Writing Contest Awards Ceremony.

The event, held March 8, recognizes the creative writing abilities of area high school students.

Winning first place in the short story category was Emily Spearman, a sophomore at New Covenant.  She received $150 and a plaque.  Mary Kathryn Thomason, a senior at T.L. Hanna High School, won second place and received a $75 award and plaque.  Madysen Cheek, a junior at Palmetto High School, received the third-place prize and a plaque and $50.

Michael McFadden, a senior at Walhalla High, won first place in the poetry category and received $150 and a plaque.  Morgan McGee, a senior at Crescent High School, took second place.  She received a plaque and $75.  Capturing the third-place prize was Connor Edwards, a junior at Easley High School.  He received a plaque and $50.

Honorable mentions for the short story category went to Matthew Morris and Larissa Brdar, both seniors at T.L. Hanna High, and Jeanna Martin, a sophomore at Walhalla High School. They each received $20.

Honorable mentions for the poetry category went to Aubrey Blalock, a junior at Easley High and Kayla Fitzgerald, a sophomore at Easley, and Thomas Garzilli, a junior at Seneca High School.   They each received $20.

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.  Donors to Tri-County Technical College's Foundation provide for the cash awards.