Middlebury Students Finalists for CT Young Writers Competition

Editor's Note: The following press release was submitted by the Connecticut Young Writers Trust.

Thirty finalists have been selected from a record number of entries in the 14^th year of the Connecticut Young Writers Competition, an annual contest which highlights works of poetry and prose submitted by teenagers from throughout the state. The finalists will vie for the chance to be published in Connecticut Review, the literary journal of the Connecticut State University System, as well as monetary awards from the Connecticut Young Writers Trust.

The statewide winners will be announced on June 11 at a special awards ceremony at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). There were 806 entries received, surpassing last year’s previous high of 795.  It’s the first time that a record number of entries were received in back-to-back years. 

Local Poetry Finalists:

• Amy Whitehead, Thoughts On Falling, Westover Academy
• Hannah Acheson-Field, Driving, Westover Academy
• Mary Margaret Meehan, Beachcomber, Westover Academy 
• Bethany Simmonds, Falling, Westover Academy
• Hannah Meduna, Early June Nights, Westover Academy

“The strong response of Connecticut students reflects the commitment of a great many people  —including teachers and volunteers — to encourage writing, but most of all it demonstrates the high level of talent, creativity and dedication that exists among students all across our state,” said Louise H. Feroe, acting chancellor of the Connecticut State University System.

State champions in prose and poetry will each receive $1,000 from the Connecticut Young Writers Trust.  Two runners-up in each category will receive $500, and other finalists will receive lesser financial awards. Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and Western Connecticut State University received the entries and a distinguished panel of judges selected the finalists, and will choose the state’s top poet and writer.

"This is the strongest batch of entries in many years. There were so many deserving works of exceptional quality that the judges were forced into deep and protracted debates," said Associate Professor Ravi Shankar, the poet, professor and chairman-elect of the board that governs the
nonprofit foundation.