Puyallup Teen Writers, Artists Recognized in Pierce County Library Contest

Puyallup has some talented teen artists, and many of them were recognized in the Pierce County Library System's "Our Own Expressions" contest.

The artists and writers demonstrated their creative skills through original poetry, short story, drawing and photography, submitting nearly 1,000 entries between Jan. 21 and Feb. 24.

In the end, three teens from Puyallup took home awards.

At a free public event, at Pacific Lutheran University, Lagerquist Concert Hall, on Thursday, May 30, at 7 p.m. the winning authors and artists will showcase their work. Pierce County Library Foundation will award the winners with cash prizes.

The News Tribune, Pacific Lutheran University and Print NW help fund the contest. See the winning entries at http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/kids-teens/teens/teen-writing-art and copies of the booklet at Pierce County Libraries and the winning students’ school libraries, after May 30.

“Students dazzle us each year with their amazing writing and art,” said Neel Parikh, executive director for Pierce County Library. “It is a joy and an honor to encourage these promising teenagers to share their talents and continue their creative efforts.”

Here is the full list of winners:

Poetry Winners

• Grades 7-8: 1st—Gabriel Carlson, Fox Island; 2nd—Tamminga Watchman, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Shane Lillie, Gig Harbor
• Grades 9-10: 1st—Brenna Peever, Spanaway; 2nd—Rachel Duerst, Tacoma; 3rd—Jocelyn Gonzales, Steilacoom
• Grades 11-12: 1st—Jack Chakerian, Gig Harbor; 2nd—Clay Snell, Tacoma; 3rd—Esther Lee, Lakewood

Short Story Winners

• Grades 7-8: 1st—Virginia Davidson, Steilacoom; 2nd—Summer Ash, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Hailey Holm, Buckley
• Grades 9-10: 1st—Natalia Giovengo, Puyallup; 2nd—Matthew Pfefferle, Tacoma; 3rd—Meg Low, Puyallup
• Grades 11-12: 1st—Amanda Gordon, Fox Island; 2nd—Erin Haas, Lake Tapps; 3rd—Hansol Hyon, Lakewood

Photography Winners

• Grades 7-8: 1st—Dawson Dressel, Tacoma; 2nd—Mercella Washburn, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Delany Sager, Tacoma
• Grades 9-10: 1st—Nick Tollefson, Gig Harbor; 2nd—Mirna Ali, Tacoma; 3rd—Taylor DeSmet, Puyallup
• Grades 11-12: 1st—Esther Lee, Lakewood; 2nd—Jesse MacKinnon, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Ellen Carr, Lakewood

Drawing Winners

• Grades 7-8: 1st—Daniel Matsuda, Tacoma; 2nd—Grace Wilsie, Tacoma; 3rd—Leah Harlander, Gig Harbor
• Grades 9-10: 1st—Penny Mae Rhines, University Place; 2nd—Mikhaella Walden, Fircrest; 3rd—Lauren Sullivan, Gig Harbor
• Grades 11-12: 1st—Rachel Lynch, Tacoma; 2nd—Tamala Aown, Fircrest; 3rd—Jesse MacKinnon, Gig Harbor