Five high school students from the area have been named winners in a creative writing
contest sponsored by Applause, the creative arts club at the University of Arkansas
- Fort Smith.
The students submitted entries in both short story and poetry categories, which were then judged by AV抖阴 students. Winners were recognized in a ceremony at AV抖阴, where they read their works and received prizes, according to Carol Westcamp of Muldrow, faculty sponsor.
鈥淭he purpose of Applause is to promote the creative arts, not just on campus, but also in the community, and the contest is an excellent way to do just that,鈥� said Westcamp.
Applause president Rhiannon Corley of Fort Smith said the contest had a further purpose beyond the prizes for winners.
鈥淚t is our hope that the high school writing contest will inspire and embolden budding writers and encourage students to continue in their creative pursuits beyond high school into college and beyond,鈥� Corley said.
Short Stories -- First Place: Amber Baldwin, 鈥淭he Coffee House,鈥� Southside High School in Fort Smith. Second Place: Jennifer Stemmer, 鈥淎t the End,鈥� Sallisaw High School. Third Place: Lexi Gillson, 鈥淔lames,鈥� Van Buren High School. Honorable Mention: Jennifer Stemmer, 鈥淣o More Fear,鈥� Sallisaw High School.
Poems -- First Place: Jav Sandhu, 鈥淯nseen,鈥� Sallisaw High School. Second Place: Amber Baldwin, 鈥淚 Don't Know,鈥� Southside High School in Fort Smith. Third Place: Baylee White, 鈥淟aughter,鈥� Van Buren High School. Honorable Mention: Jennifer Stemmer, 鈥淒ark,鈥� Sallisaw High School.
First, second and third place winners, as well as those earning honorable mentions, all received a T-shirt and a certificate. Additionally, first place winners received $50, second place $30, and third place $20.
Applause publishes a magazine once a year, also called 鈥淎pplause,鈥� which features the work of AV抖阴 students.