19 Budding Authors Win Awards For Excellence In Writing

Nineteen children from across the Mountain State have earned top writing awards in West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s 2021 PBS Kids Writers Contest.

Winners received certificates, prizes, cupcakes and were treated to special entertainment during a private awards ceremony for parents and their aspiring young authors and illustrators at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences in Charleston last weekend.

These students penned stories and drew images in competition with kids in their grade level from across West Virginia. The contest was open to students in public and private schools, as well as those who are home schooled. This year, despite a pandemic and many students dealing with virtual learning, more than 160 students submitted stories that delighted WVPB Education Director Kelly Griffith and her panel of judges.

"I am so unbelievably proud of these children for their wonderful stories and creative illustrations. This was an impressive group of young writers, and we give a heartfelt congratulations to all the winners!" Griffith said. "It brought me great joy to showcase the winning stories and give West Virginia students some well-deserved recognition."

The effort of all the children who entered the contest was not lost on Griffith. "I want to give a special thank you to all students who sent in entries because it takes courage to challenge yourself. I commend your willingness to participate, and I encourage every one of you to continue writing. Thank you for sharing your stories with us."

This year’s contest was made possible with support from The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences and fellow public broadcasting station WQED of Pittsburgh. The presentation was made spectacular by its unique entertainment. Gracing the stage were Tony M. Music, who is a children’s entertainer that integrates music, literature and storytelling into an educational, interactive and fun experience; and Karlie Belle Price, a local children’s author who read from her book, "Sally the Shoe, Helpful Soles." Griffith expressed gratitude to "Mr. Music and Ms. Price."

"They really made the day memorable for the kids and their families."

Meet our winning authors and illustrators

WVPB welcomes the Raleigh County Public Library – Beckley Branch into the Inquire Within program, which serves to provide libraries with PBS Kids content and to assist libraries with their community engagement efforts. Inquire Within at this library is made possible with sponsorship from the Beckley Area Foundation.

During its first event as an Inquire Within Library, RCPL–BB reached 16 children and seven adults! We are excited to have this community-forward library in the Inquire Within program! Would the leadership at your community library like to learn more about Inquire Within? Contact Harrison Evans!