***NEWS RELEASE***
Centreville, MD – The Upper Shore Literacy Council chapter of the State of Maryland Literacy Association extends congratulations to the thirteen county-level finalists, including two state-level winners, representing Queen Anne’s County in the 2025 SoMLA Young Authors’ Contest. Their submissions, which include both poetry and short stories, highlight the commitment to fostering creativity and academic excellence in Queen Anne’s County schools.
Kelley Sweiderk, the Young Authors’ Chair for the Upper Shore Literacy Council, shares her excitement over the increase in submissions from Queen Anne’s County this year. “Choosing the state-level finalists was especially difficult this year,” she noted. “With over 100 poems and short stories to consider, we were thoroughly impressed by the originality and creativity displayed in every submission.”
Audrey Whitehair, a student at Queen Anne’s County High School, captivated judges with her reflective free-verse poem, “Misinterpreted Luck.” The piece’s beautifully composed imagery and thought-provoking sentiments earned her first place in the Grade 11 Poetry category.
Matapeake Middle School student Nora Tate took first place as well in the Grade 6 Short Story Category. Her short story, “The Solace of Night,” shares a poignant tale of learning to live alongside grief and loss.
In addition to the two first place winners, Queen Anne’s County proudly submitted county-level short story finalists, Lauren Rogers (1st Grade, Grasonville Elementary), Joni Wolfe (2nd Grade, Grasonville Elementary), Emery Reynolds (3rd Grade, Grasonville Elementary), Easton Mayer (4th Grade, Kennard Elementary), Ara LaDue (7th Grade, Matapeake Middle), and Sumaya El Dieahy (8th Grade, Matapeake Middle); and county-level poetry finalists, Lily Moreland (2nd Grade, Grasonville Elementary), Justin Rossetti (3rd Grade, Matapeake Elementary), Mitchell Kalmanowicz (5th Grade, Kennard Elementary), Sasha Eyerly (6th Grade, Matapeake Middle), and Olivia Martin (7th Grade, Matapeake Middle).
The Upper Shore Literacy Council, in collaboration with the State of Maryland Literacy Association, remains dedicated to supporting the continued success of the Young Authors’ Contest. This initiative plays a vital role in nurturing a passion for reading and writing among Maryland’s young learners.
Download a PDF copy of the news release here.