The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), in partnership with the Central West Virginia Writing Project, Marshall University, the June Harless Center and the University of Charleston, hosted more than 200 student writers at the University of Charleston for Young Writers Day. Additionally, award-winning West Virginia author Nora Shalaway Carpenter addressed the future writers and families as the keynote speaker.
Young Writers Day has recognized student writing in the Mountain State for more than 40 years. The event stems from a deep commitment to acknowledge and celebrate the creativity of student writing across all subjects. Teachers and administrators from every county urge students to submit original entries in any prose genre and share their skills with others. Writing remains a hallmark of a comprehensive and robust education that provides opportunities for success for all students.
Locally, Greenbrier County student Ashley Mendez was awarded second place in the 11-12th grade category.
“Writing and literacy skills make up the groundwork for lifelong learning and achievement. These incredible students, full of wonder and talent, are displaying skills that will benefit them throughout their lives,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “This opportunity to share and grow will broaden our students’ knowledge and will.”
Nora Shalaway Carpenter, author of novels Fault Lines and The Edge of Anything, hails from Cameron, West Virginia in Marshall County and participated in Young Writers Day as a student. She is a celebrated and nationally acclaimed writer who routinely presents across the country. Her accolades include the 2024 Green Earth Book Award for Young Adult Fiction, a 2024 Whippoorwill Honor for exemplary rural fiction, being named to the prestigious Texas Library Association TAYSHAS State Reading List, among numerous other awards and recognitions.
Participating students also engaged in grade-appropriate writing workshops led by education leaders and award-winning local writers. As part of the event, first-place state winners read their submissions and county winners were recognized for their contributions.
