Writing Contest Winners

The Virginia Association of Teachers of English partnered with The Big Read Roanoke Valley and held a writing contest for the 2010 Big Read choice, A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines. Entries were original works which changed the ending of the novel significantly, between 500 and 1500 words.

There were two categories of winners: students in high school and adults (who do not receive their primary income from writing) who reside in Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Salem City, Franklin County, or Botetourt County.

Adult winners are as follows:

• First Place - Edna Whittier
• Second Place - James Morrison
•  Third Place - Cherie Reich

Student winners are as follows:

• First Place - Will Frye, North Cross
• Second Place - Weldon Emerson, Salem High School
• Third Place - Catherine Jesse, North Cross