Newark, MD, March 14, 2025 - Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) students demonstrated their exceptional writing talents at the annual Young Authors’ Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Eastern Shore Literacy Association (ESLA) at Salisbury University. Forty WCPS students earned top-three placements in their respective grade-level and category of poetry or short stories, showcasing the district’s strong literary tradition.
The evening began with a keynote address from local author and Worcester County Board of Education Member Jon Andes, who published the children’s book The Legend of Billy Lee. Andes was joined by his illustrator, Olivia Momme, and publisher, Stephanie Fowler of Salt Water Media. He shared how his passion for history and curiosity about a George Washington photograph led him to research and ultimately publish his book. Momme connected with Andes' journey, discussing her passion for art and her role in bringing his vision to life through illustrations. Andes also highlighted the various publishing avenues he explored before partnering with Fowler and Salt Water Media.
The Young Authors’ Contest, organized annually by ESLA, remains the premier writing competition for young writers across the Shore’s lower three counties. Public, private, and homeschooled students in grades 1-12 submitted original poetry and short stories, which were judged through a blind scoring method. This year’s competition was especially competitive, with some categories narrowing down finalists from as many as 75 entries.
“I am impressed with all the students who submitted entries this year,” said Jessica Webster, Young Authors’ Contest co-chair. “There were over 400 entries in this year’s contest, and Worcester students continue to write some of the most impressive stories and poems. We are very fortunate to have so many talented students participate.”
Six of the top finishers from WCPS advanced to the State of Maryland Literacy Association (SoMLA) state-level Young Authors' Contest and were announced as state finalists.
Young Authors' 2025 Winners from Worcester County Public Schools
Elementary School
Grade 1 Poetry
1st Place: Rylen Redone, Ocean City Elementary
Grade 1 Short Story
1st Place: Evelyn Justice, Ocean City Elementary
2nd Place: Molly DeVaughn, Snow Hill Elementary
3rd Place: Wrenna Jones, Buckingham Elementary
Grade 2 Short Story
1st Place: Cato Gelman, Showell Elementary
3rd Place: Madilyn Szymanski, Ocean City Elementary
Grade 3 Poetry
2nd Place: Quinn Westbrook, Buckingham Elementary
Grade 3 Short Story
3rd Place: Finn Fogle, Ocean City Elementary
Grade 4 Short Story
1st Place: Piper Grant, Showell Elementary
2nd Place (tie): Grace Flanagan, Showell Elementary
2nd Place (tie): Sarah Allum, Showell Elementary
2nd Place (tie): Carter Justice, Ocean City Elementary
Grade 5 Poetry
2nd Place: Evelyn Caudill, Berlin Intermediate
Grade 5 Short Story
1st Place: Evelyn Caudill, Berlin Intermediate
3rd Place (tie): Maisie Gill, Berlin Intermediate
Middle School
Grade 6 Poetry
2nd Place: Gianna Baines, Berlin Intermediate
Grade 6 Short Story
2nd Place: Tabitha Lauer, Snow Hill Middle
3rd Place: Dawt Chin, Pocomoke Middle
Grade 7 Poetry
2nd Place: Natasha Gonzalez-DeRocher, Stephen Decatur Middle
Grade 8 Poetry
3rd Place: Ellie Wells, Stephen Decatur Middle
Grade 8 Short Story
1st Place and state finalist: Elias Baldridge, Stephen Decatur Middle
2nd Place (tie): Ruby Windsor, Stephen Decatur Middle
2nd Place (tie): Charlie Smith, Stephen Decatur Middle
High School
Grade 9 Poetry
1st Place and state finalist: Lily Copeland, Stephen Decatur High
2nd Place (tie): Ava Brown, Stephen Decatur High
2nd Place (tie): Giabella Abruzzo, Stephen Decatur High
3rd Place (tie): Nidhish Gupta, Stephen Decatur High
Grade 10 Poetry
1st Place and state finalist: Breanna McCray, Stephen Decatur High
2nd Place (tie): Raniyah Hunter, Pocomoke High
Grade 10 Short Story
1st Place and state finalist: Seryna Weaver, Snow Hill High
2nd Place: Kalen Lin, Pocomoke High
3rd Place (tie): Breanna McCray, Stephen Decatur High
Grade 11 Poetry
1st Place: Riley Richardson, Snow Hill High
2nd Place: Eleanor Zollinger, Stephen Decatur High
Grade 11 Short Story
1st Place and state finalist: Savannah Wertz, Snow Hill High
Grade 12 Poetry
1st Place and state finalist: Ziann Franklin, Pocomoke High
2nd Place: Naadirah Hassan-El, Snow Hill High
3rd Place: Emmalyn Fetters, Stephen Decatur High
Grade 12 Short Story
2nd Place: Adam Baker, Stephen Decatur High
About the Eastern Shore Literacy Association
The Eastern Shore Literacy Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing literacy across the Lower Eastern Shore. The association promotes quality literacy instruction by supporting the mission of the State of Maryland Literacy Association and International Literacy Association. It also provides best practices to educators and parents, advocates for literacy legislation, and collaborates with schools, professional organizations, and businesses. ESLA actively supports literacy initiatives and recognizes individuals who foster a passion for reading and writing.
Event Photos
Photo Album by Worcester County Public Schools