The 2024 Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Young Authors honorees were recognized on March 21 at the annual Young Authors Tea held in the Commons at Collinsville Middle School. The Illinois Young Authors program celebrates exceptional writing by students in grades K through 8.
Students, parents and other guests met author and Collinsville High School alumnae Kerry Nenn who shared tips and encouragement about becoming a professional writer. She said there are several traits necessary to become a W-R-I-T-E-R.
W = Wish
R = Reality
I = Investment
T = Time
E = Excitement
R = Repeat
During the certificate presentation, each student was called forward to share the title of their book. Following a brief photo session, everyone was invited to stay for refreshments.
Students’ Young Authors book submissions are turned-in at the school level. Each school chooses books to represent them at the district level. The district submissions are reviewed, and several are chosen to advance to county and state level competition.
The 2024 CUSD 10 Young Authors Receiving Recognition are:
Gabriella Basuel – The Magical Kingdom
Lela Post-Biondi -The Untold Story of The Five Princesses
Elle Aunna Click – What Kindness is All About
Vivian Gottschalk – The Lost Unicorn Horn #3
Paityn Hamilton – Seven Ribbons
Nathaly Hernandez – Dejame Entrar
Harper Homes – How You Make a Pen
Timmir Ladd – The Missing Train
Makenzie Myrick – The Wave is Rising
Natalia Cortes Reese – The Giant Unicorn Came to Town
Emilia Shaw – Stella’s Big Move
Everett Shaw – The Sheperd
Jillian Smithe -Pile of Bad Decisions
Emery Sorensen – The Fairy That Was Lost
Isla Stelmach – The Adventures of Kip the Cat