The achievements of young writers at the annual Literacy Celebration sponsored by the Orleans-Niagara Teacher Center recently at the Starpoint Fine Arts Center.
Each year, the Teacher Center — a state grant-funded organization dedicated to providing high-quality professional learning — hosts a literacy contest for students in grades K–8. This year’s theme, “Get Outdoors and Be Active!,” encouraged students to explore the joys and benefits of physical and mental wellness through outdoor activities.
Hundreds of imaginative entries were created, with students sharing personal stories about hiking with friends, sledding in winter, camping with family, biking through nature, and more. In all, 40 teachers from 10 school districts across Niagara and Orleans counties submitted their best student works, resulting in 147 entries. Students were invited to showcase their creativity in the format of their choosing, ranging from essay and electronic book to digital comic strip and multimedia slideshow. Each entry demonstrated impressive storytelling, originality, and writing skill.
The festivities began with a keynote by local author and certified yoga instructor Mari Irwin, who captivated the audience with readings from her book “Yay for Yoga” and led the crowd in a series of calming relaxation techniques.
Following the keynote, students took the stage to read their winning entries and receive certificates and prizes including writing journals and creative design books.
Top winners in each grade level
• Kindergarten — Gianni Chuilli (Holy Ghost Lutheran), Joseph Falsetti (Lew-Port) and Violet Purinton (Lew-Port).
• Grade 1 — Phoebe Belliveau (Roy-Hart), Jasmine Jaeckle (Holy Ghost) and Damien Udell (Roy-Hart).
• Grade 2 — Amelia Milazzo (Starpoint), Emmett Miller (Starpoint), Estella Printup (Niagara Wheatfield), Amiya Riches (Barker) and Adeline Wahl (Barker).
• Grade 3 — Sophia Harshman (Holy Ghost), Lucy Heimiller (Newfane) and Abram Phipps (Sacred Heart Villa).
• Grade 4 — Andrew Fisher (Holy Ghost) and Lily Hockenberry (Holy Ghost).
• Grade 5 — Amelia Linkowski (Barker), Hope Rasch (Holy Ghost) and Avery Snell (Barker).
• Grades 6, 7 and 8 — Lydia Atwater (Barker), Mathea Johnson (North Tonawanda) and Hannah Monaco (Barker).
Refreshments were provided by Orleans/Niagara BOCES culinary students.