Dist. 146 Names 4 Students Champs Of Young Authors Competition

TINLEY PARK, IL — Four students have been named grand champions at the District 146 Young Authors Competition.

They were recognized for the accomplishment at the May 13 village board meeting.

The winners are: Bernadette Zaker, a kindergarten student from Fierke Education Center; Margaux Perell, a third grade student from Fulton; AlQasam Alzir, a fifth-grade student from Fierke Education Center; and Alexander James an eighth-grade student from Central Middle School.

This year, the winning authors’ stories were performed live on stage while the author sat close by in the “author’s chair.” Explore Theater, an improv troupe that acts out stories written by students and discusses the literary components of each story, performed the stories.

“Each year I am amazed by the creativity and writing skills of the students participating in Young Authors,” said Supt. Jeff Stawick in a statement. “The stories written by this year’s Grand Champions were funny, moving, and original. Seeing them brought to life on stage was surely an exciting moment they will never forget.

The Young Authors Competition is open to all students at District 146, and one student is selected from kindergarten/first grade, second/third grade, fourth/fifth grade, and middle school. This year, the district had its highest number of submissions. Winners are selected according to several criteria, including writing style and technique.