Young Authors Conference draws over 400 students
Andrew Johnson, left, of Tri-County ESC and Kimberly Jarvis, right, executive director of the Buckeye Book Fair, flank Julian Uhler, a sixth-grader from Holmesville Elementary and one of the 10 students selected by their respective schools to receive the Young Authors Conference Excellence Award. Over 400 students attended the Young Authors Conference on Nov. 3.
The annual Young Authors Conference, hosted by Tri-County ESC in collaboration with Buckeye Book Fair, was held Nov. 3 at Greystone Event Center in Wooster.
The Young Authors Conference is a partnership with all schools in Wayne, Holmes and Ashland counties through Buckeye Book Fair’s established partnership with Tri-County Educational Service Center, the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education and Ohio Arts Council.
With over 400 students participating, the Young Authors Conference teaches students in third grade through eighth grade about the ins and outs of the writing and storytelling process. Students attend a one-day session where they work with a teaching artist in writing, illustration and publishing.
The event featured four Ohio-based authors who shared their experiences and expertise with area students. Presenting authors included Rachele Alpine, Jerzy Drozd, Florenza Lee and Merrill Wyatt.
At this event students learned skills and techniques including brainstorming, character development, writing dialogue, illustration and expressive writing. Over 400 area students participated from the following districts: Green Local Schools, Hillsdale Local Schools, Norwayne Local Schools, Orrville City Schools, Rittman EVSD, Southeast Local Schools, Triway Local Schools, West Holmes Local Schools and Wooster City Schools. All students left with at least one book purchased by Tri-County ESC.
Of the over 400 students attending the Young Authors Conference, 10 students were selected by their respective schools to receive the Young Authors Conference Excellence Award. Winners received a commemorative certificate and a Buckeye Book Fair hoodie. The following students are this year’s recipients:
—Joanna Pamer, Green Middle School, eighth grade.
—Bryleigh Severs, Fredericksburg Elementary, sixth grade.
—Julian Uhler, Holmesville Elementary, sixth grade.
—Makenzie Holcomb, John R. Lea Middle School, seventh grade.
—Sophia Yoder, Mt. Eaton Elementary, sixth grade.
—Mirienne Totten, Orrville Middle School, seventh grade.
—Brahm Johnson, Shreve Elementary, fifth grade.
—Kenasyn Garrison, Triway Middle School. eighth grade.
—Nevaeh Mast, West Holmes Middle School, eighth grade.
—Elise Long, Wooster Township Elementary, fourth grade.
This year Tri-County ESC and the Buckeye Book Fair expanded the student event project to include a literacy day for students in ninth grade through 12th grade. Over 150 students attended the literacy day, which featured Julie Drew, published author and professor emeritus at the University of Akron.