Primary story writing competition winners announced
TWO budding writers from Goulburn Valley Grammar School have won the 2020 Shepparton Story Writing Competition and have been presented with a printed copy of their book, Little Things.
The winning students, Miriam Ford and Lila Plunkett, also received a certificate for their winning book, which will now be included as part of the local book bag program for 12 months, and handed out to children attending their 3.5 year Maternal and Child Health visit.
The book competition is an initiative of the Greater Shepparton Early Years Language workgroup, which is part of the Greater Shepparton City Council’s Best Start program. This is the seventh year the workgroup has run the competition, which is open to all Grade 5 and 6 students attending a school in Greater Shepparton.
The Early Years Language workgroup wanted to include a local story as part of the book bag program and to celebrate local young talent. Nearly 1000 children receive this bag each year from their Maternal and Child Health nurse.
“Reading is such an important and enjoyable activity and the program hopes to encourage a love of books and reading amongst children and their families,” Council acting director of community, Amanda Tingay, said.
Students were asked to write and illustrate an original story and could partner with another student if they wished. Primary schools could select up to three entries from their students to put forward for judging.
Council received 30 entries from 12 different primary schools, which were judged by a three person judging panel.
“The quality of the entries received was very high and the creative and colourful illustrations really added to the stories,” Ms Tingay said.
“The judging panel had the very difficult task of selecting a winner and said it was extremely tough this year. In the end all three judges agreed Little Things was the winning story for 2020, so congratulations to Miriam and Lila.”
A copy of all 30 stories entered into the competition will be placed in the Shepparton Library, showcasing the young writing talent in Greater Shepparton. Each primary school in Greater Shepparton will also receive a copy of the winning story.
The students’ school also receives a $100 voucher to purchase books and all runners up receive a certificate.
