A panel of judges made up of writer and professor at Hendrix College Dr. Alex Vernon, Laman Public Library (North Little Rock) Director Crystal Gates, and Arkansas Life Editor Katie Bridges named Cabot High School senior Katelynn Nicole Tyner the winner of the 2nd Annual Argenta Reading Series High School Writing Contest Saturday night.
Tyner's winning essay, "My Dream Space," was chosen as one of four finalists from among a field of more than 50 qualifying submissions. The finalists read their pieces at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre Annex in front of a live audience and the panel of judges. The other finalists--all seniors--who each received a consolation prize of $500, included John Hoelzeman of Sacred Heart Catholic School in Morrilton, Madeline Knight of Harmony Grove High School in Camden, and Sarah Ward of Cross County High School in Cherry Valley.
"We had some great essays this year," said ARS Director Guy Choate. "I'm impressed with the level of writing talent we have in this state and I look forward to seeing these kids develop their craft when they go off to Arkansas colleges. These young writers are already contributing to the rich literary culture of Arkansas." The contest was open to all Arkansas high school students in grades 10-12, or students who had earned a GED within the past year, who also plan to attend an Arkansas college or university. Choate says the Argenta Reading Series will begin accepting submissions for 2019’s contest in the fall.