The Scott Valley Libraries’ creative writing contest winners, first grade through adult, were awarded at an open house on Saturday, April 29, at the Fort Jones Branch Library. Most of the winners who were present read their essays to the full audience.
The annual contest took place as part of National Library Week with the theme, “There is More to the Story.” Stories were inspired by photos from two books (Brothers Paddling Raft or Jewel Beetles Crossing Icy Strait) or subjects of choice.
First/Second Grade:
First place: Vivienne Thomas
Second place: Marina Dooley
Third place: Sheldon Denight
Honorable mentions:
Sawyer Zink, Macy Wilcox, Eleanor Stapley, Kai Phaengysy, Isaac McMullen, Weston Fawaz, Cyrus Stone, Gavin Case, Amethyst West, Ellie Wear, Aiden Rompon, Ava Peters, Olivia Friden, Ryder Elam, Jayah Case, Aiyana Case
Third/Fourth Grade:
First place: Arkadia Ford
Second place: Westly Jones
Third place: Quinn Van de Water
Honorable mentions:
Sarah Bevis, Aubree Ritola, Gracen Dysart, Jackson Ford
Fifth Grade:
First place: Lily Shelton
Second Place: Sidney Walsh
Third place: Aubrey Ladd
Eighth Grade:
First place: McKenna Tiner
Second place: Wyatt Franklin
Third place: Augustis Hahn
Honorable mention:
Zoe McBroom
High School:
First place: Lily McBroom
Second place: Grace Hubbard
Third place: Veronica Canada
Honorable mention:
Lilly Finley
Adults:
First place: Liz Orme (story read by Annie Kramer with Kei Lin in attendance)

Second place: Josh Harnden
Third place: Richard Sanders
Honorable mention:
Madeleine Ayres
The supporters of this year’s contest included Five Mary’s Burgerhouse, Ray’s Grocery Store, Maria’s Restaurant, Michelle DeCausmaker, Davey Martin and Kaletta Tassem. Appreciation was given to the Friends of the Etna Library, the Friends of the Fort Jones Library, Scott Valley teachers and the Town of Fort Jones. Judges Chris Brown, Teresa Johnson, Celest McFall and Barbara Whitworth were thanked as well.
Copies of the winning essays are available at the Fort Jones Library, 11960 East St., Fort Jones.
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Wonderful event with talented essays shared by all.