Since 1984, the West Virginia Young Writers Contest has celebrated student writing in the state. The contest grows out of a deep commitment to writing in all subjects, and to the publishing, displaying, and celebrating of student writing.
This year, Lyla Titus from Big Otter Elementary School in Clay County won second place in the 1st-2nd grade level category with the piece, “Little Blue Bird”. Lyla’s teacher is Mrs. Linda Jarvis
As a county winner, Lyla will be attending the annual Young Writers Day at the University of Charleston on May 13. Young Writers Day is the annual celebration of writers and writing for students in grades 1-12 in the state of West Virginia.
It brings together county and state winners of the writing contest, teachers, and county coordinators for a full day of writing activities. The young writers have the opportunity to hear presentations from leading authors, participate in writing workshops, and explore books by a wide range of authors. The day culminates in an awards ceremony that recognizes state and county winners.
Lyla’s entry, in full, reads as follows:
Once upon a time there was a beautiful magnolia tree and in that tree was a little bird. His name was Little Blue Bird. He was a blue jay with soft, fluffy feathers. He was brighter than the sun. One day Little Blue Bird tumbled out of his nest because he couldn’t fly yet. Luckily, his mother was near and saw his plight. She rescued him just in time for he was about to crash to the ground. She said in an angry voice, “You need to stay in the nest!”
As Little Blue Bird got older, he finally learned how to fly. It was his day to leave the nest, but he was still a little scared. He pondered for a while and finally decided to give it a try. “I will go then.” He muffled as he spread his wings and away he flew, just like he saw his mamma do so many times.
Little Blue Bird grew alone and scared living on his own. Then one bright sunny morning his life changed. He discovered a beautiful blue jay perched on a limb just below him. She noticed him too. It was love at first sight! Now little Blue Bird knew he would never be alone again! Soon he had a family of his own. In time he would teach his babies how to fly just like he had learned. That was the story of the little blue bird, only he is not the little blue bird anymore. He is Big Blue Bird!
The End.