Kurn Hattin 6th & 8th Graders Win Writing Contest

Westminster – Kurn Hattin children created the perfect ending last Tuesday night at the 17th Annual Ziggy Ostrowski Mystery Writing Contest. Held at the Kurn Hattin School, participating students in Mrs. Kristie Lisai’s English classes each wrote the final chapter to an unfinished novel. The contest is named in memory of former Kurn Hattin teacher, Ziggy Ostrowski, who began the contest in 2001 because of his love of reading.Bellows Falls author Megan Applegate attended the awards banquet, and spoke to the children about her own love of writing. She is the author of seven Young Adult novels, including the “Shamans of the Divide” series, and “Marienne: The Blade Maiden”. Ms. Applegate encouraged the students to use media such as podcasts, blogs, YouTube videos, and self-published e-books to get their writing out into the world. She told the middle schoolers, “Never stop learning and never stop creating.”

Out of all the contest submissions, two students in particular wowed the judges with their creativity and writing skills. Kurn Hattin Homes congratulates the winners of The 17th Annual Ziggy Ostrowski Mystery Writing Contest:  Ryley Smith, Grade 8, and Lillianna Butler, Grade 6.

A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 5-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. For more information, visit www.kurnhattin.org.

Pictured are:  Ziggy Ostrowski Mystery Writing Contest winners Ryley Smith and Lillianna Butler with their English teacher Mrs. Lisai (l) and author Megan Applegate (r).