Submitted

The annual Hays Arts Council Creative Writing Awards was sponsored this year by Optimist Club of Hays. The competition is open to all Ellis County students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Winners in each category received ribbons at the awards ceremony and reception on Sunday, May 5.

The contest was judged by the Fort Hays State University English Department, including Jacinta Carter, Linda McHenry, Brett Weaver, Sharla Hutchison, Lexey Bartlett, Lou Ann Gottschalk, Eric Leuschner, and Sharon Graham. Morgan Chalfant was the Creative Writing Judging Committee chair. See a full list of winners below.