PBS Kids Writers Contest winners named

The annual PBS Kids Writers Contest is an initiative designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. The contest encourages children in grades K-3 to celebrate creativity by submitting their own original stories and illustrations.

“Every year Prairie Public is a proud host of the writers contest because it underscores our commitment to the success of children,” said Christine McClellan, Prairie Public’s community engagement coordinator.

This year, 330 local children submitted creative entries, and each received certificates of participation and personalized, positive feedback.

The Judges who evaluated the entries and chose the winners were Minnesta State University Moorhead Professor Sharon Scapple, retired educator Bev Pearson, Prairie Public volunteer Gen Tougas and the children’s librarians at the Fargo Public Library.

Sixteen stories penned by creative writers were chosen for first place and red ribbon favorite recognition.

First Place Winners

Kindergarten-

 Alisa the Unicorn

 Kennedy Riggins

 Watford City, N.D.

Grade 1-

 Invisible Sweatpants

 Cole Anderson

 Marion, N.D.

Grade 2-

 The Adventures of Circle and Square

 Caleb Zerr

 Grand Forks, N.D.

Grade 3-

 The Adventures of Chicken

 Jacob Day

 Fargo, N.D.

Red Ribbon Favorites

Kindergarten-

 Sparkles Saves the Princess

 Isabella Hernandez

 Watford City, N.D.

 Sunshine and Rainbow

 Brea Hartley

 Center, N.D.

 If You Give A Bear Honey

 Asna Omar

 Bismarck, N.D.

Grade 1-

 Max’s Journey Around the World

 Sam Higbie

 Underwood, N.D.

 The Three Lonely Girls

 Brooke Almond

 Sykeston, N.D.

 The Lonely Dolphin

 Mya Neis

 Carrington, N.D.

Grade 2-

 Apple and Jill

 Karlesha Holen

 Mapleton, N.D.

 The Lost Little Jaguar

 Alexandra Krebs

 Bismarck, N.D.

 Weathergirl vs. Mr. Freeze

Haedynn Boutain

Goodridge, Minn.

Grade 3-

 Wings of the Sky

 Katelyn Vetter

 Linton, N.D.

 Dinosaur King

 Justin Smith

 Harvey, N.D.

 The Dragon’s Egg

 Hope Gravley

 Minot, N.D.

The first place stories are available to read at prairiepublic.org. Prairie Public Broadcasting is a non-profit member startion headquartered in Fargo that provides public television services throughout North Dakota, northwestern Minnesota, southern Manitoba, and parts of Montana and South Dakota; public radio service to North Dakota; and educational and technological services to communities and individuals across its coverage area.

PBS KIDS is the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs. On the web, pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content and streaming video. For more information on PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science and more, visit pbs.org.