Information and photo provided by the California Writers Club

The California Writers Club Young Writers Contest held their banquet in May where they awarded the middle school winners their framed certificates and cash prizes.
"This year, the Young Writers Contest had 445 manuscript submissions from all over Contra Costa County," said Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff, chairwoman of the Young Writers Program. "This was our all-time, record-breaking number of submissions, which means kids are writing!"
In addition to the contest, each year, authors Sarah Wilson and Koehler-Pentacoff led workshops in January and February for middle school writers. Held at local libraries, the workshops are free. Visit http://mtdiablowriters.org/ for next year's contest and workshop information.
Local Winners:
The Betty Tenney Memorial
Essay/Personal Narrative Awards
Stephanie Sloves (OIS, 6th grade)
"When You Wish Upon a Star" - second place
Carter Broad (OIS, 7th grade)
"Le Tour de Ow" - first place
Caie Kelley (OIS, 7th grade)
"Climbing My Fears" - second place
Short Story
Sarah Sweeney (JM, 6th grade)
"Moonlight" - first place
Sophie Belinn (OIS, 7th grade)
"Time to Wait" - third place