Daniel High School Students Win Top Honors
At Tri-County's Annual Writing Contest

CONTACT: DR. MARIANNE TAYLOR, EXT. 2331

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3/7/2002
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Students from D.W. Daniel High School won first place honors in poetry and short story categories at Tri-County Technica l College's Ruby S. Hicks Memorial Writing Contest Awards Ceremony held February 22.

The event recognizes the creative writing abilities of area high school students.

Jingyi Zhang, a senior at D.W. Daniel High School, won first place in the short story category and received $100 and a plaque.

Winning first place in the poetry category was John Scott, also a senior at Daniel. He also received $100 and a plaque.

Maghan Lusk, a junior at Belton-Honea Path High School, won second place in the short story category. She received $50 and a plaque. Winning third place in the short story category was John Scott. He received $25 and a plaque.

Roy Welsh, a senior at Pickens High School, won second place in the poetry category and received $50 and a plaque. Alice Bryn Salter, also a senior at Daniel, won third place in the poetry category. She received $25 and a plaque.

Honorable mentions for the poetry category went to Helen Barron, Leah Coakley and Casey Smith, all seniors at Daniel High School.

Honorable mentions for the short story category went to Benjamin Johnson and Casie Van Romer, both seniors at Daniel, and David Thomas, a senior at Pickens High School.

Since 1986, the event has recognized the creative writing abilities of area high school students. Several years ago, the English Department renamed its annual writing contest to honor the late Ruby S. Hicks for her patronage, her encouragement and her friendship. For years, Mrs. Hicks graciously donated funds and encouraged the College to continue recognizing the creative talents of area high school students with an annual contest. Tri-County Technical College's Foundation sponsored the event.

This year Mike and Brenda Cannon of Anderson are the patrons of the contest. Mr. and Mrs. Cannon, in honor of their sons, Brooks and Ross, graciously funded the cash awards for the winners of the writing competition. "By honoring their sons, Mr. and Mrs. Cannon honor not only this year's winners but also all the young people of Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties," said Dr. Marianne Taylor, English department head at Tri-County. "Their generous donation underscores the strength, courage and confidence that young people today – and indeed all Americans – must exhibit to successfully meet America's challenges."
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