1st Place – Pandemic Percussion
by Athena Gillespie, 06/30/2020, Traverse City, MI
High School 9-12 Category
As I lay in bed, the natural light from my window slowly dwindling, I hear them. A cacophony of drums, maracas, pots, pans, and more. I glance at the clock. 8:00 PM on the dot. I wasn’t expecting a tradition that started in March to last all the way to May, but it was something I had adjusted to and learned to appreciate. Every night, my neighbors stood on their porches and banged on drums, etc. for one full minute. No less, and (usually) no more . . .
1st Place – La Ventana Cerrando
by Ella Kirkwood, 05/24/2020, Traverse City, MI
Middle School 6-8 Category
La Ventana: Climbing term used to describe the perfect window of opportunity for an ascent; Also, “the Window” in Spanish.
Cerrando: closing.
We had great expectations for 2020 . . .
3rd Place – Internal Drama
by Akyedzi Acheampong, 05/12/2020, Traverse City, MI
Elementary K-5 Category
Hi, my name is Akyedzi but you can call me Chez and this is what is going on in my head. Wait can pigs fly? When did I get a cow? Oh, I don’t have a cow. What’s the difference between a potato and a potato? Why am I doing this anyway? Oh yeah it is for a prize. Now I am . . .
2nd Place – Hi-lo, hi..low times
by Ashley Bursian, May 9th, 2020, traverse city, Mi
Adult Category
Luckily for me, I have some experience with the hardships of quarantine.
There was once a point in my life, while homeless, that myself and two sons lived year round in a 1964 hi-lo camper, for 2 years. This is a camper about the size of an average household bathroom, or small, studio apartment size kitchen, perhaps, to warrant perspective . . .
2nd Place – At Home
by Mae Schillinger, 05/07/2020, Traverse City, MI
Elementary K-5 Category
The deer are running across the backyard.
I am six.
Will this Corona virus ever stop? . .
2nd Place – Taken for Granted
by Alyssa Masiewicz, 05/07/2020, Traverse City, MI
High School 9-12 Category
Before this global pandemic occurred, I never realized how lucky I was. I had two working parents. I got to go to school and be with my friends. I got to go to class and ask questions to teachers in person . . .
2nd Place – A Deadly Dream
by Alexis Beeler, 04/09/2020, Traverse City, MI
Middle School 6-8 Category
The soft clink of the ceramic onto the glass gave way to the peaceful surroundings of a Monday morning. The sun peaking through the trees, dying the dark sky with oranges and reds. It seemed that it was the only aspect of the day I could grasp. I could rely on the sun rising, showering warmth onto the Earth . . .
3rd Place – Weirdest Bike Ride Ever
by Alex Reynolds, 04/08/2020, Traverse City, MI
Middle School 6-8 Category
Let’s go for a bike ride,” my mom said.
“Ok,” I replied. “But let’s go to the library this time.”
I had been out of school for 3 weeks because schools were closed due to
COVID19 . . .
3rd Place – Create
by Emma Laible, 04/02/2020, Traverse City, Mi
High School Category
“Oh my gosh! No school for three weeks! This is gonna be great!”
“Ugh, that means I have to turn in all of my late assignments by tomorrow.”
“Girls, this is serious. This isn’t something we should be celebrating.” . . .
NWS Author Next Door: Priscilla Miller
NWS Author Next Door Spotlight: Priscilla Miller We first featured Priscilla Miller as an Author Next Door in 2015. Now she’s returning with her latest book, Remmy: A Hero Dog Of War. Based on her feature article that appeared on the front page of the Elk Rapids News in 2012, Miller’s new book is about a retired military service dog adopted by […]
