From the desk of Mary Paynton Schaff

Washington’s 2013 Letters About Literature Champions have been announced by the Washington State Library!

Cora Tessaro, a fifth grader at Daniel Bagley Elementary School in Seattle, is the Level 1 champion.  Julia Batson, a seventh grader at Woodward Middle School on Bainbridge Island, is the Level 2 champion.  Jordyn Tonkinson, a ninth grader at Hockinson High School in Brush Prairie, is the Level 3 champion.  Click here to see their letters and learn more about the 2013 contest.

There were approximately 3,400 Washington students whose letters made it to round 1 judging in the 2013 contest.  325 semifinalists advanced to round 3 state judging.  All state semifinalists will receive an award certificate in the mail.

From the 325 Washington semifinalists, the state judges selected three champions, three second place runners up, and twenty-one honorable mentions.  The three champions’ letters have been sent to the Library of Congress for the national competition.  The results of the national judging will be released in late April.

There will be a ceremony in the Columbia Room at the State Capitol in Olympia on May 24^th at 1:30 in the afternoon to recognize the state champions, second place runners up, and honorable mentions.

Thank you to all the students, teachers, librarians, and families who participate in Washington’s Letters About Literature program.  Keep reading and writing!