A group of seventh and eighth grade Birchwood students packed into a van at 7:00 A.M. on the Saturday morning of January 29 for the Power of the Pen district competition. They competed at Howland Middle School in Warren, Ohio, among 122 contestants from 11 schools. They came home with several school and individual awards!
Power of the Pen is a writing competition exclusive to the state of Ohio involving middle grade students. Representing their schools, six students per grade have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and writing abilities in three rounds of impromptu writing. Competing as individuals and as a team, the Birchwood contingent fared very well.
The eighth grade team placed first with Sarah D, Trevor L, Prithvi P, Hassan S, Daniel W, Hannah Y, and alternate Sue R.
The seventh grade team brought home a third place trophy. Members included Clive C, Joan C, Dhweeja D, Kavya R, Katelyn V, Naomi W, and alternate Christine B.
The top twelve writers from each grade were also recognized. Among the seventh graders, Naomi W was awarded the first place trophy. In addition she snagged two “best of round” awards and a special Vindicator journalism award. For the eighth graders, Prithvi P and Sarah D received the ninth and sixth place, respectively. Hannah Y earned the third place trophy, one point away from second and three points shy of the first place winner. Naomi W and Hannah Y were among four students who earned Perfect Rank Point Total Scores by achieving 1’s in all three rounds of writing at this event. Hassan S joins these two ladies to be among eleven students who achieved Superior Ratings.
The executive director of POP Lorraine Merrill stated, “Bravo to Birchwood School for its awesome performance. It will be taking all six members of its eighth grade team on to Regionals.”
