Lake Writers reward students; creativity

Megan Ward, a ninth-grader at Franklin County High School, is the winner for high school in Lake Writers' 2012 Student Writing Contest.

The theme this year was a short story involving survival, challenge or acceptance set in or around Smith Mountain Lake.

"It's exciting to see young people try their hands at creative writing," said Chuck Lumpkin, president of Lake Writers, the literary arts group from the Smith Mountain Arts Council. "We've run this contest for several years and are always surprised by the entries."

Megan said she was inspired to write the winning story, "Healing Waters," by her identical twin sister, Shannon, who has special needs.

"Having her in my life has opened my eyes and really helped me understand special needs kids and the struggles they go through to fit into society," she said.

Although children generally accept Shannon's slight difference from them, it is "the adults who have the hardest time understanding that she is just like everybody else," added Megan, who enjoys performing arts, acting, dancing, playing the flute and writing.

Carrie Dinwiddie's "A Camp to Remember" took second place in the high school division. Carrie, a tenth-grade homeschooled student, said a great imagination helped her craft her story.

"I like writing and try to come up with words that aren't run-of-the-mill," said Carrie, who hopes to continue writing stories and one day become a missionary.

First place for middle school went to Zane Routon for "Turtle Soup"; Christian Hill took second for middle school with "Big Day at SML."

First-place winners will receive $100; second-place winners will receive $75.

"While athletics and academics are often rewarded, creativity usually isn't," said Becky Mushko, chairman of the writing contest. "By encouraging students to put their creative thoughts into writing, Lake Writers rewards students whose talents might otherwise go unnoticed."

Because of the limited number of entries, Lake Writers did not award third place or honorable mention prizes this year.

For more information, contact Betsy Ashton at 297-3585 or betsy_ashton2005@yahoo.com.