Sebring students recognized for creative writing at Youngstown State University’s English Festival

During Youngstown State University’s English Festival every spring, approximately 2,000 middle school and high school students are able to attend workshops, discuss books and meet nationally-recognized authors during the school day.

The 45th annual English Festival took place this year from April 19 through 21 and featured writers like Rita Williams-Garcia and Chris Crutcher.

A local teacher wants to recognize two of her students for their above and beyond participation during the event.

Chondi Schaffer teaches English at Sebring McKinley Middle School. She was able to bring sixteen of her students to the English Festival.

Over the course of the school year to attend the festival, these participating students volunteered to read seven books each.

Alexis Stillion and Kaden Weston, two of the sixteen attendees, earned awards of excellence for their work during the Writing Games contest.

Stillion and her team of four others drew a Dungeons and Dragons-type game board for their book characters which earned them a first-place designation.

Each member won $50, a YSU t-shirt and a new book.

Weston’s writing games group compared their personal experiences with the book character’s experiences.

Weston and his team of four earned an Honorable Mention. For this honor, each received a new book and a pin.

Chondi would like to congratulate the two Sebring students and expressed pride in their accomplishments.

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