Chatham County Schools Media Education Program along with McIntyre’s Fine Books and Fearrington Village hosted the twenty-sixth annual Young Authors Celebration for student writers in Chatham County on Tuesday, April 8. The event, which was held at The Barn at Fearrington Village, kicked off with a reception at 6:30 p.m.
This year’s feature author was Sheila Turnage, a Newbury Award Winner, who currently lives in North Carolina. Turnage inspired and engaged students reinforcing that there’s a writer in each of them. Students were instantly hooked as she revealed her secrets for creating believable settings, characters, and stories. After her inspiring presentation, Turnage took pictures with each of the winners to commemorate the evening.
Four students won awards that were in the “Best of” category. J. Allen Smith of North Chatham Elementary School, who wrote “Super Duper Yard Vacuum 5000,” won Best of: Grades K-4. Meera Butalia of Margaret B. Pollard Middle School, who wrote “Saving Simba,” won Best of: Grades 5-8. Eden Bennet of Bonlee School, who authored “What I Love,” won Best Novel. The student author who won Best Overall was J.S. Waters’ Krista Willett, who wrote “9/14/13.”
While walking around the room, attendees had the opportunity to look at books that were on display. Examples of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, along with handmade pop-up books were exhibited.
The event closed with proud parents, principals, and media coordinators socializing and capturing the special evening with cameras.
