At E.A. White Elementary, we are always looking for ways to inspire and celebrate the talents of our students. On March 5, 2025, our Information Center was transformed into a hub of creativity and pride as we hosted our first-ever Young Authors Recognition Ceremony. This special event, held during our Read Across America Week celebration, was a testament to the incredible writing skills of our students in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades who participated in the Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition.
The idea for this inaugural event came from our dedicated second-grade teacher, Ms. Horton. "The competition provided an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their writing skills, fostering creativity and improving their ability to express themselves. It also boosted their confidence, as participating and potentially winning helped them believe in their writing and storytelling abilities," Ms. Horton shared. Her passion for nurturing young writers sparked the creation of this ceremony, and we couldn't be prouder of the outcome.
The highlight of the event was recognizing all 19 students who participated in the competition. Each of these young authors was honored for their hard work and creativity. Among them, four outstanding students were selected by the Columbus State University Writing Department to advance to the Young Georgia Authors Writing State Competition. These talented individuals were presented with certificates and medals, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
We were privileged to have Dr. Judith Livingston, Department Chair and Associate Professor of the English Department at Columbus State University, join us for the ceremony. Dr. Livingston delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the importance of reading and writing, and shared the memorable quote, "The best writers are good readers!" This message resonated deeply with our Read Across America Week celebration, highlighting the connection between strong reading habits and exceptional writing skills.
"Capturing the smile on each student's face as Dr. Livingston spoke about their writing was very rewarding for the administration, myself, and their parents. Overall, the competition likely contributed significantly to the academic and personal growth of the students here at E.A. White," Ms. Horton added.
Our students showcased a diverse range of topics in their submissions, spanning both fiction and non-fiction. Their works reflected their unique perspectives and imaginative storytelling abilities, making the selection process highly competitive.
We are incredibly proud of all our students who participated in the competition and look forward to supporting our young authors as they move forward in the state competition. This event has not only highlighted the talents of our students but also reinforced the importance of fostering a love for reading and writing in our school community.