The Cultural Arts Division of the Carrollton Parks and Recreation presented the 2014 High School Creative Writing Competition Award Ceremony on March 6, 2014. The contest is an opportunity for students to share their literary talents and be awarded for their efforts. This year there were approximately 800 entries with four Carroll County students receiving recognitions. La-Tavia Matthews, a freshman at Villa High School, was chosen as the first place winner in the poetry category for her entry entitled “Not Knowing Him”. La-Tavia Matthews received a three hundred dollar reward from the Carrollton Optimist Club and fifty dollar reward from the Carrollton Creative Writers Club.

Tessa (James) Hamilton, a junior at Villa High School, was the second place winner in the short story category for her entry entitled, “Thoughts.” Tessa received a two hundred dollar reward from Carrollton Optimist Club and twenty-five dollar reward from the Carrollton Creative Writers Club.

Emma Lowery, a sophomore from Bowdon High School, was chosen as the third place winner in the short story category for her entry entitled, “Q.” Emma received a one hundred dollar reward from the Carrollton Optimist Club and twenty-five dollars from the Carrollton Creative Writers Club.

Jessie Moore, a junior from Bowdon High School, was chosen as the third place winner in the poetry category for her entry entitled, “Hope”. Jessie received a one hundred dollar reward from the Carrollton Optimist Club and twenty-five dollars from the Carrollton Creative Writers Club.

Dr. Shirley Garrett, was the 2014 Creative Writing Guest Author. Following the award ceremony the winning recipients participated in a workshop conducted by Dr. Garrett.

The 2014 Creative Writing Competition was funded by the Carrollton Optimist Club, Carrollton Creative Writers Club and Little Hawaiian Restaurant.

Pictured Front Row Left to Right: Emma Lowery, Jessie Moore, La-Tavia Matthews and Tessa (James) Hamilton.