A Festival of Writing 2013 Edition

Prize-Winning Essays from the Thirty-Fifth Annual Youngstown State University English Festival

Featuring The Thomas and Carol Gay Lecturers Chris Crutcher, Sharon M. Draper, and Nikki Grimes The James A. Houck Lecturer Chris Crowe 7th-9th Grades Thursday, April 18, or Friday, April 19, 2013

10th-12th Grades Wednesday, April 17, 2013 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Kilcawley Center

Festival of Writing 2013

Contents

Introduction 1 2013 Booklist 1 Candace Gay Memorial Awards 2 First-Prize Essays 2 Second-Prize Essays 6 Third-Prize Essays 10 Williamson Fund Impromptu Prize-Winners 15 First-Prize Essays 15 Second-Prize Essays 17 Third-Prize Essays 19 The Tribune Chronicle Journalism Workshop Prize-Winners 22 First-Prize Articles 22 Second-Prize Articles 26 Third-Prize Articles 29 YSU English Festival Introduction or nearly all of its more than thirty years, the Youngstown State University English Festival Committee has published a collection of the prize-winning Fessays written during each Festival’s activities and competitions. Such a publication is wholly in keeping with the Festival’s stated goal to “rec- 2013 ognize and reward distinctive writing.” It is also a means for publicizing the extraor- dinary work that Youngstown-area students do at the Festival, both in preparing themselves by reading the works on the English Festival booklist and in composing thoughtful and engaging essays before and during the Festival. The essays included in this 2013 edition of A Festival of Writing are no ex- ception. They reflect the excellent language facility of our area’s students, as well as their careful reading and critical thinking. The YSU English Festival Committee congratulates those students whose work appears in these pages, and it commends the parents and teachers who have supported these young writers. Gary Salvner Jeff Buchanan Co-Chairs of the English Festival Committee

2013 Booklist

7th–9th Grades 10th–12th Grades Mississippi Trial, 1955 Getting Away with Murder: The True Story of the Chris Crowe Emmett Till Case* Getting Away with Murder: The True Story of Chris Crowe the Emmett Till Case* Deadline Chris Crowe Chris Crutcher Athletic Shorts King of the Mild Frontier* Chris Crutcher Chris Crutcher King of the Mild Frontier* The Battle of Jericho* Chris Crutcher Sharon M. Draper The Battle of Jericho Copper Sun Sharon M. Draper Sharon M. Draper Fire from the Rock Bronx Masquerade* Sharon M. Draper Nikki Grimes Bronx Masquerade* Dark Sons Nikki Grimes Nikki Grimes

* indicates a title common to both levels 1 Festival of Writing 2013 2013 Candace Gay Memorial Essay Contest In 750-1000 total words, respond to the following: Imagine you are a reporter for the YSU English Festival, going on assignment to one of this year’s Festival books. Write at least 3 but not more than 6 journalistic articles to represent the chosen book. Choose at least 3 different genres from among the following: • Feature / Human Interest story • Sports reporting • Editorial / opinion writing • Obituary • Police Blotter story • Humor • Style / fashion writing • Local / Community news

First-Prize Essays

Wednesday Ciara Irwin Shenango Junior/Senior High School The Douglass Chronicles

Community News mented. “I have complete admiration When asked exactly what they were The town of Douglass can feel the for these gentlemen, and I cannot give doing, Freeman swiftly replied, “That’s warmth of giving in the air. The an- enough thanks for all they have done classified.” nual toy drive held by the Douglass for my family.” One noticeable student was Josh High Warriors of Distinction is starting The Warriors will be busy wrapping Prescott, who managed to accessorize again. These young men are thought and sorting toys throughout December his pink shirt with white blotches and of as neighborhood saints to the com- and deliveries will be made on Decem- black specks. munity. The drive is an annual project ber 23rd. On behalf of the community, “I guess I’m not much of a maid!” that brings toys to dozens of local the Warriors of Distinction are undeni- Prescott laughed. “But, hey man, you families. ably venerable young men. don’t need to be squeaky clean to be a “This toy drive is a staple of existence Warrior, right?” to the Warriors,” member Rick Sharp ex- Style and Fashion The other stylish trend seen around plained. “The Warriors represent help- On a trip to Douglass High, one the school was the legendary silk jacket ing those less fortunate than ourselves. will encounter what may only be put as of the Warriors of Distinction. At the end of the day, we just want to “unique” fashion statements. Through- “The jackets symbolize achieve- see our fellow man happy.” out the halls of the scurrying students ment,” Warrior Eddie Mahoney stated. Known for their selflessness and gen- swarms a sea of pink T-shirts, mostly “We go through a lot to become a erosity, the members of the prestigious worn by men. member, and the silk jacket is a reward group are highly regarded in Douglass. “We’re pledges for the Warriors to show diligence and strength.” “It’s comical they’re called ‘War- of Distinction,” student Kofi Freeman When asked what all they “had to riors’, because their ways are so tender clarified. go through” to become a Warrior, Ma- and kind,” one local community mem- “Wearing these shirts symbolizes honey simply stated a familiar answer: ber who benefited from the drive com- who we are and what we do.” “That’s classified.”

2 YSU English Festival Human Interest Story Editorial souls of their peers is an age-old prob- A young man caught under the As a personal opinion on the events lem that a small town like this thought wing of desire and degradation: this that passed recently in Douglass, I ex- would never affect them. describes Jericho Prescott. press my deepest feelings of anger and Clubs that strip children of their Prescott longed for acceptance sorrow. pride and innocence do not deserve and a place of belonging. However, The commandments of these young survival. Douglass High should begin a this goal was taken beyond the point men (or rather boys) to become a War- new group. This group would integrate of humiliation as Prescott agreed rior of Distinction not only humiliate students from all paths of life, have to pledge for the local group, the their peers, but threaten their lives as responsible and present supervisors, Warriors of Distinction. Prescott and well. The hazing that occurred amongst and certainly no suicide attempts to other pledges soon realized that this these Warriors of Anything-But-Distinc- join. group donned the physiognomy of tion is an outrage. Activities like these In particular response to the death righteousness, while covering up that involve scarring on emotional and of Josh Prescott, I also suggest to the unfathomable immorality with a silk psychological levels promote bullying, community the creation of an orga- jacket. violence, and exploitation in our youth nization in Josh’s name to help teens Throughout the past couple months today. It even ended a precious young who struggle with fitting in. A support the Warriors have made pledges ex- life. group like this that rallies our youth ecute embarrassing, painful, and sim- Josh Prescott died Saturday, Janu- in a positive light is highly needed, ply juvenile commands behind closed ary 31st by jumping out of a second and Josh Prescott deserves to be re- doors. story window. All this was an attempt membered. “I just wanted to fit in,” Prescott re- to receive a silk jacket inscribed with If there is one thing that we’ve all counted. “Nobody in my school really “Warriors of Distinction.” learned from this experience it is this: notices me and all I could think about High school is a precious time of en- the true warrior of distinction in this was that fine silk jacket and everybody lightenment. However, students learn world is the one who rejoices where he knowing my name. The worse the more than just math and reading, but already belongs and welcomes others pledge activities got, I just kept thinking cultivate who they are. The advantage into it with open arms. that it’d all be worth it soon.” that students take of the malleable Jericho’s obsessive behavior over becoming a Warrior began to worry his father, Cedric Prescott. “My son was never one to become dependent on anything,” Mr. Prescott explained. “Suddenly it was as if his supreme desire was to become a War- rior. He seemed so temperamental, and didn’t want to listen to any voice that told him to be careful about these activities.” Jericho Prescott’s story illuminates a universal problem for all youth: fitting in is becoming more important than self- discretion. Young people today are so willing to do anything for a sense of be- longing, even incriminating themselves to any degree. As a society, people must work to show adolescents that a feel- ing of belonging isn’t held in the hands of popularity or reputation, but rests solely within their own acceptance of themselves. “If I could, I would take it all back,” Jericho Prescott ended. “All I wanted was to belong somewhere. Now I just wish I could belong with Josh again.”

3 Festival of Writing 2013

Thursday Lily AbiNader Sharpsville Area Middle School Newspaper Articles Based on Athletic Shorts

Fashion: Angus’s parting words: “A SMILE is It’s Winter Ball time again, and this always the best accessory!” year, fashion reporter Sandy Smith had the chance to meet with the King Darren Miller of the Winter Ball at Lake Michigan Darren Miller, of Harrisburg, Pennsyl- High School, Angus Bethune. He vania, passed away after an extended ill- looked dashing in a burgundy tuxedo, ness at 12:04 a.m. Sunday, July 27, 1989, this year’s fashion rage for young in a hospital in Boise, Idaho. He was 25. men. With his head held high, strong Darren attended college for two and confident, he walked into the years at Penn State before he decided gymnasium ready to be prom king. he would much rather take a break and Now, here’s how he got there: travel around the country. His friends and family enjoyed his adventurous Q: Angus, how did you manage to find spirit and love of life. that perfect tux? Throughout his life, Darren focused A: My Dad. He’s full of fashion advice, more on others than himself. Before from top to bottom. Darren died, he decided he wanted to go visit Uncle Gene. Once there, Q: Well, tell us about the journey to he connected with Louie Banks, who your amazing burgundy tux! First, the would soon become a dear friend. jacket... Louie had recently suffered a loss, and A: Well, according to my dad, you don’t Darren wanted to talk about it with want to keep your jacket buttoned for a him. Darren was extraordinarily aware long time. When unbuttoned, it’s more A: The cummerbund is the way to go. about what others were feeling. When casual. Also, it won’t pull so tight where It gives a sleeker, more streamlined Louie was anxious about something, you bulge. silhouette. even worrying about Darren, he would receive help from a true and compas- Q: That is some great advice! And the Q: Part of your hip, trendy look is the sionate friend. Darren faced his death pants? untucked shirt. Where did you get the with courage and confidence, knowing A: My Dad also taught me how to buy inspiration? that his lifelong Christian faith would those. Always buy high-waisted pants, A: It’s a mortal fashion sin for a fat man see him through. especially if you’re a little portly. to purchase a tuck-in shirt. Again, credit A favorite pastime of Darren’s was for my father. wildlife photography. He especially Q: Where did you go to find this season’s enjoyed using his one-of-a-kind rifle hottest designs? Q: Last question. Why burgundy? camera, which took a picture when he A: Roland’s Big and Tall. It’s especially A: I kinda see earth tones as a tribute to pulled the trigger. This camera allowed important to be comfortable for such a my Michigan farm country roots. After all, him to be “one of the guys” in Central special night. With that in mind, I’d like my parents named me after a cow! Pennsylvania, while remaining true to to advise against lying to a salesman himself and his peaceful nature. He left about your full waist size. It’s always Although Mr. Bethune was not this camera to Louie Banks, who will better to be a little embarrassed than present to comment, it’s clear that this treasure it in his memory. to have half of yourself hanging over. father/son relationship is a close and In lieu of flowers, the family re- special one. quests that memorial contributions be Q: Do you have any advice when it comes Remember Angus’s tips, prom- made to the AIDS Community Alliance to the big question: cummerbund or vest? goers! And most of all, remember of Central Pennsylvania. 4 YSU English Festival Darren died at a very young age but of quibbling about who’s allowed to they might have lost to a girl. How are lived a full life. He will be truly missed. participate, but that’s clearly not the students supposed to have a commit- case. ment to gender equality when their My View: Obviously, Coho and Silver Creek parents don’t? Gender Issues in Wrestling High Schools are in compliance with During the match, you could see By Sandy Smith Title IX, the 1972 federal law that pro- something was going on. These two Special to The Coho Times hibits sex bias in school programs that talented young wrestlers weren’t liv- get federal support. It’s just that the ing up to their reputations. I believe Some people think that the United spectators didn’t get the memo. The there might have been a plan between States has finally succeeded in its crowd was split into two distinct camps, those two teenage minds, something many battles for equality among all fervently supporting one contender or to tie the match. Something in the citizens. Actually, discrimination is the other based not on their athleticism, way they looked at each other made alive and well in America. I saw this but on their gender. me wonder. first-hand at the wrestling match I’m not opposed to rowdy fans. Anyway, the Shropshrire/Byers between Petey Shropshrire (Coho After all, sports competitions come match awarded no points to either Wolverines) and Chris Byers (Silver down to winning or losing. That’s team. Probably because they were so Creek Grizzlies) last Friday. Spectators the point, right? It’s just unfortunate hung up on the gender issue, neither were openly against the idea of a girl that emotion got especially intense athlete wrestled to their full potential. wrestling a boy. You’d think that in not only because Coho might have Which truly is a loss… for everybody. 2013, athletic contests would be free lost a close match, but also because

Friday Michael Wizorek Greenville Junior/Senior High School The YSU English Festival

Feature/Human Interest Story: helps them relate to one another. The Style/ Fashion Writing: “Student Poets Bloom in the school is also had an assembly on Tues- Homemade Clothes Bronx” (page 144) day (see article “Poetry Assembly”). Local school student, Judianne Alex- BRONX TOWNSHIP- High School ander, makes her own clothes. Judianne English teacher Edward Ward recently Sports reporting: Alexander goes to Bronx High School started to host “Open Mike Fridays.” Quitting for Books? and says that she started to make the Students write poems and read them Star basketball player of the Bronx clothes because her family couldn’t in front of the class. Students have Tigers handed in his jersey on Monday afford nice clothes. She also wanted been sharing their poems once a after the team’s practice. Devon Hope to show off her body and “accentuate month. So many students have decid- told the coach that he didn’t want to the positive” (pg 59) parts of her. Other ed to write poems, that Mr. Ward says play basketball anymore and wanted to students think the clothes are “cool” he is going to have to let the students read and study instead. Player Mike An- (pg 59) and hip. Some students are read more frequently. The student’s drews said that Devon seemed to read even jealous of her skills. Judianne’s poems are “energetic” (page 144) more lately and the reading seemed most recent creation is a “patchwork and “rich in positive social messages” to take priority over his playing. The denim skirt and a vest with red leather (page 144). Published poet, Pedro coach of the team said that it was such pockets...” She has also made jeans, Pietri, also “took up the mike” last a shame to see all of Devon’s basketball hats, gloves, shirts, and she once made Friday and read a couple of his new- skills go to waste. Close friend of Devon, a dress! She is starting to think about est poems. He also gave the students Tyrone Bittings said that Devon had being a fashion designer. advice. Student Devon Hope read one some “moves” (page 33). When asked of his pieces titled “Bronx Masquer- why he was reading, Devon said, “I’m Local/ Community News: ade” (page 32) and student Diondra reading…for me, actually,” (page 83). Poetry Assembly Jordan recited one of her poems en- Devon said that he had often snuck into Edward Ward’s high school English titled “High Dive” (page 99). Student the library and read before and after class held an assembly on Tuesday. The Tyrone Bittings said that the poems practices at the school. Once he even students read poetry pieces that they give the students a release and that it skipped the whole practice! had written throughout the year. Mr. 5 Festival of Writing 2013 Ward said a few words then Tyrone different school’s students would write Raul’s friend, Tyrone Bittings says that Bittings gave a short speech. “I’m re- poems and read them aloud at the Raul is really “good” (pg 19). Diondra ally glad I got to do this poetry thing competition. Judges would judge the prefers to draw abstract paintings for because…. I feel like we connected. I poems and prizes would be awarded her mother but she is staring to draw feel like I know you now… I feel like for the best poems. portraits of other people. Raul tends we’re not as different as I thought,” to draw portraits of anybody who is (pg 164) said Tyrone in his speech. Local/ Community News: willing to model for him. Student Chanakra Troupe (pictured Local Artists right) read her piece entitled “Bruised School students Raul Ramirez and Police Blotter story: Love,” (pg 15) student Raul Ramirez Diondra Jordan both enjoy painting Abusive Father Arrested read his poem entitled “Zorro,” (pg 22) and their friends say that they are An abusive father was arrested last and students Wesley Boone and Tyrone excellent at their hobby. Raul enjoys night. DeAndre Bittings was arrested Bittings read a new poem they called painting with paint and Diondra prefers at 7:42 last night for abusing his wife. “Together” while student Raynard watercolors and charcoal. Diondra said The call came from the twelve-year- Patterson played the saxophone. Stu- that she has “been drawing since [she] old son of DeAndre, Tyrone Bittings, dent Porscha Johnson read her poem can remember,” (pg 25). Raul also says at about 7:34 pm. Police rushed to entitled “A Letter to My Mother,” (pg that he has “been drawing all [his] life,” the scene and found Tyrone curled 161) and student Tanisha Scott read (pg 20). Raul says that sometimes he up underneath his bed. DeAndre also her poem entitled “For the Record” makes his sister “model for [him],” (pg had beaten the young boy. DeAndre (pg 79). After the assembly, Mr. Ward 20) but most of the time he just has apparently did not know that his son said that the school plans on hosting a his “girlfriend [sit] for [him],” (pg 20). had called and is now serving 7 years “Poetry Slam” next year. The “Poetry Raul was the first to catchThe Bronx In- in federal prison for physical abuse to Slam” would be a competition where sider’s eye, but soon Diondra also did. his wife and son. Second-Prize Essays

Wednesday Anna Livia Rice Cardinal Mooney High School Sequencing The Battle of Jericho

The Fashion Beat statement that it is all of them, or none group ahead. The Warriors of Distinc- It’s that time of year again, when of them. In this case, girls cannot resist tion are honored as the most up-to-date scarves, hats, gloves, boots, basically men in pink because that pink promises on trends, often sporting the latest and any article of clothing that can pos- full potential and inclusion in the most greatest Nike sneakers and of course sibly keep a body warm are slung on venerated club around! their irresistible black silk jackets that with complete disregard to fashion However, not one person brandishes denote them as members of the group. Do’s and Don’ts! However, while most their pink shirt better than Dana Wolfe, These undistinguished pledges promise to people prioritize warmth this time of the first female ever invited into the blossom into sophisticated warriors soon! year, one group chooses their attires to Warriors of Distinction. Dana defies demonstrate the strength of a group: not only the rules of fashion with her Joshua Prescott The Warriors of Distinction. Pledges pink shirt, but also the former male- Joshua Prescott died late on the last for the group are currently flaunting dominated rules of the guild. Besides, Friday of January from the Warriors of their florescent pink shirts for pledge what better color than pink for the Distinction’s pledge activities. Joshua, week, and in this case, pink on men is pledge shirts this year to represent the commonly called Josh, was a junior undoubtedly fashionable! The shirts newly female integrated values? All at Frederick Douglass High School in are not fancy; they are just regular people should anticipate new fashion Cincinnati, Ohio and deceased from a highlighter pink t-shirts with the words trends after it is revealed how she will fatal head injury after jumping from “We are not yet distinguished” printed model The Warriors of Distinction black a two-story house during the Leap of on the back of the shirt. Fourteen silk jacket. Faith challenge. boys snubbing the typical gender rules Luckily, these pledge week shirts Josh was the only child of Brock and regarding colors simply to make the hold promises of better fashion for the Marlene Prescott. He was a strong ath- 6 YSU English Festival lete at his high school and was identified alarmingly enough, these questions den, Ph.D. from the University of Maine, by his humorous nature. The investiga- may never receive answers due to the 36% of students say they would not tion of his death is ongoing. alliance’s vow of silence. report hazing primarily because “there’s A memorial service will be held in the Despite the secrecy oath, whispers of no one to tell,” and 27% feel that adults school’s auditorium on Saturday and his the organization’s hazing were evident won’t handle it right. funeral is on Monday. Classes have been but unable to be proven due to the fel- Although The Warriors of Distinction cancelled at the school on Monday so lowship’s unity in silence. Mr. Boston, was not affiliated with Frederick Douglass students can pay their respects. Frederick Douglass High’s math teacher, High School, Richard Culligan, a teacher experienced hazing firsthand when he at the school, was technically in com- Hazing in Schools: was a high school football player and mand of the group. At an impromptu How far is too Far? recognized the warning signs of hazing. news conference at the scene of the With the recent tragic death of When questioned about his knowledge death, Culligan admitted that he was not Joshua Prescott, a junior pledge from of the activities, he remarked, “As you present for the pledging endeavors, “I…I Frederick Douglass High School from know, they keep it pretty secretive. But wasn’t here. I was back at the school get- the hazing rituals of a Warriors of Dis- bits and pieces of information escape.” ting things ready for the party.” (p.310). tinction, a club respected for their good (p.171). Without witnesses willing to When confronted by the drinking during deeds around the community, hazing is give testimony to the hazing, Mr. Boston the “Leap of Faith”, Culligan also admitted brought into the forefront everyone’s was incapable of exposing it but claimed “I wasn’t aware of every single pledge minds. Hazing is defined as “Force to that he warned and offered assistance activity.”(p.310) and elucidated that he perform strenuous, humiliating, or dan- to pledge, Jericho Prescott, the cousin of trusted the seniors in charge. Culligan has gerous tasks.” Josh Prescott died after the deceased Josh Prescott. When que- since been arrested. taking part in the clubs “Leap of Faith” ried if he reported hazing when he was Hazing is not a regional problem; activity during which pledges leaped a victim of it in high school, Mr. Boston rather it is becoming ever more from a two story abandoned building. replies, “No, someone with more guts prominent across the United States. Josh hit his head on a rock and perished than I had finally told the authorities. According to www.preventhazing. at the hospital from the fatal head The coach was fired, and the practice org, 1.5 million high school students wound. With such a respected club was stopped.” (p.171) The only action undergo hazing each year, and 47% causing Josh’s death with hazing tradi- he took against the hazing was to quit of students come to college already tions, members of the community are the team the next year when he heard having experienced hazing and 82% of demanding answers to many arduous members making similar plans for the deaths from hazing involve alcohol. It questions such as: did the school faculty new players. Victims staying unvoiced seems deplorable that the Warriors of know about this, who was overseeing about abuse is quite commonplace. Distinction was established fifty years it, why were illegal activities allowed According to the national study “Hazing ago and these traditions are just now into pledging ceremonies and why in View: Students at Risk” conducted by being exposed. The investigation is were the boys unsupervised. However, Elizabeth Allan, Ph.D. and Mary Mad- ongoing.

7 Festival of Writing 2013

Thursday Erica Berent Kennedy Catholic Middle School Greenwood Commonwealth

Feature Emmett Till had a fun personality came to the South, he didn’t realize it Till case has finally ended and always knew how to make others would be so different. Emmett Till, a Negro boy from Chica- laugh. He enjoyed hanging with his I can honestly say that the trial for go, had been visiting his uncle in Green- friends and having a good time. He Emmett Till was completely biased. wood, Mississippi when he whistled at went to McCosh Grammar School. The judge was racist and the jury was Caroline Bryant, a white woman who Emmett had lots of friends and fam- racist. If I had been in that courtroom, lives in Money, Mississippi. Caroline’s ily who loved him dearly. He grew up I would have charged those two men husband, Roy Bryant was enraged by in a middle class neighborhood for with manslaughter and sent them this outbreak, so he decided to kidnap colored people. He was very willful, away to prison for ten years. I am Till with help from his colleague, J.W. Mi- high-spirited, and accepting of people aware that many of you who read lam. On August 29th Bryant and Milam of all races. Because his mother often this will disagree with me, but it is my went to the boy’s uncle’s house early worked all day he quickly learned how hope that the few of you who agree in the morning where they dragged to take care of himself, but that didn’t with me will make a stand to put a him out to a car to confirm that it was stop him from caring dearly about his stop to these unfortunate times so him who had whistled at Mrs. Bryant. family. Emmett was always very good that our children can live in a nation Till was then shoved into the car and and listened to what his superiors that is free from all of this hatred. driven away. Three days later, Till’s body said. He has touched the lives of many was found floating in the Tallahatchie, during his time here. Police Blotter wrapped in barbed wired, dragged Service: The service will be held on Police were called to the banks of down with a cotton gin, and shot in September 8th at Good Shepherd Prot- the Tallahatchie River on August 31st the head. His body was so hideously estant Church in Chicago at 2:00pm when a local fisherman spotted the mangled that it was only recognizable Burial: Fellmont Memorial Cemetery body of Emmett Till, the black Chicago by the ring on hisinger. in Chicago, Illinois youth that had gone missing. The Later that month, a trial was held boy had been taken from his uncle’s for the two men that murdered Till. Opinion house three days earlier by two men. There was said to be a third person As you are all aware, the racism These men, identified by Till’s uncle who helped out but it was never in the south has started to become as Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, were clarified. The jury ruled that Bryant more severe. It hasn’t been this bad then brought into custody for further and Milam were innocent and they since before the Emancipation Proc- questioning. were released. Although most people lamation. Although there is nothing in the South agree with this decision, I can do to stop it all together, I can state that the Emmett Till predica- the people in the North were outraged. Thirty-Six Years! The funeral for Till is to be held back in ment should have never happened. Chicago soon (see obituary page two). It is a mockery to our fine country Help us to celebrate the English that a boy was so brutally murdered Festival’s 36th year. Obituary for simply speaking out of line. His Emmett Till outbreak against Caroline Bryant may It’s a Valley tradition. Emmett Louis Till of Chicago, Illinois have been uncalled for, but he did not was found floating in the Tallahatchie deserve what he received. Murder is Think of your family members River on August 31, 1955. He was 14 not the way that we should solve our who attended the Festival years old. Emmett Till, son of Mamie problems. If that were so this nation in the late 1970s—teachers? and the late Louis Till, was born on July would be a physical wreck. I can un- grandparents? parents? 25th 1941.He is survived by his mother, derstand that Bryant was upset, but his uncle, Moses Wright, and his aunt, that was no reason to murder some- Who do you know who Ruthanne Parker. He is preceded in one who had done so little wrong. Em- attended in the 80s? 90s? death by his father Louis Till, who died mett grew up in the North where the fighting for his country. racism is substantially lower. When he 8 YSU English Festival

Friday Anna Bodo Mineral Ridge Middle School The Story of a Boy Named Emmett Till

Journal Entry #1 of Emmett Till, a boy that the world Obituary has lost forever, but that will never be Emmett Till died on August 26, 1955 forgotten. at the age of fourteen. “Born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 25, 1941 Emmett was the Journal #2 only child of Louis and Mamie Till” (Crowe Community News 37). “At five feet six inches and 160 “Missing Boy Found Dead in the Tal- pounds the boy was taller and heavier” lahatchie River” (Crowe 54). Emmett, nicknamed “Bobo”, Early yesterday morning, the dead was a teen who loved baseball and en- body of a fourteen year old Negro boy joyed having a laugh with his friends. was found floating in the Tallahatchie Emmett’s favorite baseball team was River. It was a boy named Emmett Till the Chicago White Socks. He attended who had been missing for three days McCosh Elementary School a segregated until floating up from the river on all- black school. Besides, his exceptional Wednesday. There were worries about personality he also was a great person in Emmett and the Sheriff was concerned his community that would help his neigh- of foul play. bors and relished going to clean his great- Wednesday morning Aug, 31 a grandmother’s house. Emmett grew up seventeen year old white boy, Robert Journal #3 in southern Chicago in an all-black com- Hodges, saw the body and called the In our opinion the Southern States munity. Emmett was a fun, loving child police. “Officers said that the body had have corrupt people with cruel laws. who enjoyed helping others. been weighted down with a cotton gin They practically let two guilty men get The cause of Emmett Till’s death is pulley tied with barbed wire” (Crowe away with murder. The world is com- that he was murdered and sunk to the 68). Till’s body was beaten, bruised, had ing to something awful if men can go bottom of a river with a bullet hole in a missing eye, and a bullet in his head. around killing innocent children. The his head. Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam al- The body was very badly damaged and Jim Crowe laws and everything else in ready said that they had kidnapped the hardly even looked human. the south is appalling. boy and will be put on trial for murder. The two men that had been con- Northerners believe that schools The loss of Emmett Till will weigh down victed of murder were Roy Bryant should be integrated and that blacks greatly upon our hearts. and J.W. Milam. The two already had should be given more equal opportu- Emmett will be preceded in death admitted that they had kidnapped the nities and treated better in the South. by his mother Mamie Bradley, his great boy, after he made dreadful remarks African Americans are just as human as uncle Mose Wright, grandparents, cous- to a white woman at Bryant’s Grocery whites, so we think that it’s incorrect ins, his aunt, uncles, great-grandmother and Meat Market. The two stated that you can kill a boy just because he and also many of his friends. His father that they “Turned him loose after didn’t know any better. The people in died when Emmett was a young child they took him to Bryant’s store for the North are going to try to change the in World War 2. There will be an open identification and Carolyn Bryant said ways they treat blacks in the South to casket viewing of Emmett Till all day on he wasn’t the man who had harassed make it even more unprejudiced. Saturday September 3 and Sunday Sep- her” (Crowe 63). The entire South is to blame for their tember 4.There was controversy over if The trial will take place this week- carelessness of our youth and African they should have an open casket, but end and will be held in Summer Mis- American people. In every way we look Mrs. Bradley said “Let the people see sissippi. “Can justice be done in one down upon the South for what has hap- what they did to my boy” . This view- of the most notoriously racist states pened because no matter what happens ing is open to the public, so that all can in America?”(Crowe67). We will all the murder of Emmett Till will not be mourn over the loss of Emmett Till. He cry for righteousness of Emmett Till forgotten. “Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam will be laid to rest on Tues September, 6 and also for the inequality of blacks did willfully, unlawfully, feloniously, in Burr Oak Cemetery. In dear memory all throughout America. and of their malice aforethought did 9 Festival of Writing 2013 kill and murder Emmett Till, a human 108-109) .We believe, that because of afternoon, Sheriff Smith drove from being , against the peace and dignity this murder there will be a better life Greenwood to Money and arrested Roy of the State of Mississippi”(Crowe 67). for all people in America. As a society Bryant for kidnapping” (Crowe 63). Later They had an unfair jury which made it stands up together to abolish the harsh J.W. Milam was picked up and both men impossible to convict Roy Bryant and treatment of Blacks, we simply revoke were put in jail. After that, different J.W. Milam of the murder that they against the Jim Crowe ways of the South. units began to search for the third man committed. It is the responsibility of involved and any sign of Emmett. The South and their detrimental ways that Journal #4 police kept searching, but had no luck got Emmett Till murdered. Police blotter story on Monday and Tuesday. We dream of a world where children It all began when Emmett Till went Wednesday morning a 17 year old are not killed for fun, where humans are into Bryant’s Grocery and Meat Market white boy, Robert Hodges, found Em- treated like humans and a better world and made “ugly remarks” to Mrs. Bryant mett’s body and reported it to the police for African Americans, so they can live on Friday. Then, the following Sunday station. Next, the body was identified as without a fear of being killed. Life maga- morning the police station received Emmett Till by Mose Wright. Later that zine published an article that said “Sleep a call from Curtis Jones He informed day, “Sheriff Smith added murder to well, Emmett Till, you will be avenged. us that his cousin, Emmett Till, had the charges against Bryant and Milam” You will be remembered as long as men been kidnapped by two white men (Crowe 65). The evidence that has been have tongues to cry against evil” (Crowe earlier that day. “Around 2:00 Sunday found is still under further investigation . Third-Prize Essays

Wednesday Caroline Driscoll Cardinal Mooney High School Police Blotter: Emmett Till’s Murderers

Local store-owners Roy Bryant and African-American neighborhood on Allegedly, upon hearing of Emmett’s half-brother JW Milam were arrested the South Side of Chicago, Emmett was “insolence”, Mrs. Bryant’s husband, on September 1 for the kidnapping, given a life full of potential and oppor- Roy Bryant, and his half-brother, J. W. beating, and murder of a young African- tunities. His neighborhood harbored Milam, kidnapped, beat, and tortured American, Emmett Till. Court dates have multiple black proprietors; African- Emmett. Stealing him away from his yet to be scheduled. American owned insurance agencies, great uncle’s house, they beat the young beauty salons, pharmacies, and night- boy all night, and then dragged the Obituary clubs lined the streets and boulevards. mutilated youth to the bank of the Talla- On August 28, Emmett Louis Till Unbeknownst to young Emmett, not all hatchie River, where they shot Emmett passed away at the young age of fourteen. African-Americans enjoyed the same in the head and, after tying his body to He is survived by his mother, Mamie Till, standard of living he did. a large metal fin with barbed wire, re- his great uncle, Moses Wright, and mul- Although he attended a segregated morselessly dumped his maimed being tiple cousins and extended family. school, Emmett was not prepared for into the river. Three days later, Emmett’s Emmett Louis Till was born on July the intense segregation and racism he corpse was recovered, so disfigured it 25, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, the only faced in the South. While visiting his could only be identified by a ring en- child of Louis and Mamie Till. Those great uncle Moses and cousins in Missis- graved with his father’s initials, L.T., that closest to Emmett described him as sippi for the summer, Emmett, ignorant Emmett wore on his finger. funny, responsible, and infectiously to the strict enforcement of Jim Crow Authorities wanted to bury the high-spirited. Whether it be a joke to laws, made a pass at a white woman. body quickly, but Emmett’s mother dry someone’s tears, or aiding his single Witnesses did not unanimously agree requested it be sent back to Chicago, mother with housework, he was always to what exactly was exchanged between where funeral services will be held at eager to help others, no matter who Emmett and the woman: some say he Roberts Temple Church of God. Ms. Till they were. Emmett was a sincerely kind either whistled at her, flirted with her, or has courageously opted for an open young man who saw life as a privilege, touched the hand of the white female casket funeral and is allowing services determined to live every moment of his clerk—and wife of the owner—Carolyn to be held for five days in order that precious time to the very fullest. Bryant. Either way, the woman took of- anyone who wishes to can pay their Raised in a thriving, middle-class, fense to Emmett’s harmless actions. respects to the young martyr. 10 YSU English Festival Opinion punishment. However, the harsh reality With the recent kidnapping, beating, looms above us all: the two murderers and ruthless murder of young African- will most likely be acquitted. American boy, Emmett Till, the entire No matter how hard it is to swal- country is abuzz with what effects the low, that’s the bitter truth of it. Where crime, trial, and ruling will have upon the two racists will be tried has seg- legal segregation and blatant racism in regated court houses, where a jury “the land of the free”. of their peers will almost definitely For those of you who have been consist of only white men. White men out of the loop recently, Emmett Till who sympathize, even glorify, the ac- was a young, black Chicagoan visiting tions of the racist perpetrators. extended family in Mississippi, when, Fortunately, no matter what the because of harmless flirting, an action ruling ends up being, wheels have al- expected of all adolescents, his life was ready been set in motion. Emmett Till savagely stolen from him. is rightly being hailed as a martyr and Blissfully ignorant to how serious because of his courage and the courage bigotry is in the South, Emmett flirted of his family, particularly his mother, with a white store clerk, who took of- who chose to have an open casket fense at his harmless pass. When her funeral so the world could see what husband heard of the exchange, he ignorance did to her son, steps are be- and his half-brother kidnapped the ing taken to end segregation. People of boy, beat him past the point of rec- all races are banding together to truly ognition, and finally shot him in the make our country a place where all head and then discarded of what was men are created equal. once a promising, handsome, young The two disgusting men were arrested I can only hope that my old eyes gentleman into the Tallahatchie River. and now await their date in court. I, for live to see the day where everyone in His only crime was having skin a dif- one, am hoping, praying, pleading for America is truly free. However, because ferent color than the barbarians who them to be locked up for the rest of their of the huge sacrifice made by Emmett Till took his life. lives, which is still not a harsh enough and his family, that day is a little closer.

Thursday Aaron Coates St. Rose School Journalism on The Battle of Jericho

Police Blotter Story: of Distinction. In this “Leap of Faith,” Obituary: Ohio; Near Cincinnati; as it is called, Prescott lost his balance Joshua “Josh” Prescott, 16 11:35 P.M. when jumping and failed to land safely Ohio resident and high school stu- Police and paramedics received a call on the mattress pit below, instead land- dent, Joshua Prescott, died around 3:00 from a deserted house near the ware- ing head-first onto a large rock near the A.M. on Saturday, January 31, in the lo- house on Reading Road, near Frederick pit. No adult figure had been present, cal hospital, with his parents by his side. Douglass High School. The call, from and all pledges and current members Services were held on Monday Rick Sharp, stated that a young man of the club, all of which in high school morning to commemorate Josh’s short had fallen from a second-story window and under age, had been extremely in- but also great and wonderful life. in the house and needed help quickly. toxicated when police and paramedics Josh was a good student, and he When paramedics arrived at the scene, arrived. Paramedics tried to resuscitate enjoyed playing sports, such as foot- a young man named Cleveland Wilson Prescott, but couldn’t get a response. He ball, for his school, Frederick Douglass was giving CPR to the injured boy. The was taken to the local hospital, but was High School. In addition, Josh was very police reported that the boy, Joshua pronounced dead shortly after arriving outgoing and never backed down from Prescott, had apparently been pressured due to unsustainable injuries including a challenge. to jump out of the window as a part of multiple cuts on his body and a huge Josh lived near Cincinnati, Ohio, for initiation for a group called the Warriors gash on the back of his skull. all of his life, and he enjoyed spending 11 Festival of Writing 2013 time with his cousin and best friend, asked why the events on the night of could have gotten me a scholarship for Jericho Prescott. When they were the incident occurred, he said: “We college,” he said. When asked to ex- young children, they would go to pic- were all forced to take part in those plain more, he said that during Pledge nics, spend Halloween and Christmas activities by the seniors of the club. Week, the final week before pledges together, take swimming lessons, and They told us that we had to do every- become Warriors, the pledges had to play in Little League baseball games. thing that we did to show our bravery, attend meetings every night and take As they got older, they continued to loyalty, and determination. They also part in gruesome pledge activities, spend time with each other and with said that they had to go through it, and and that they couldn’t miss a night for their other close friend, Kofi Freeman. that we would do it to new pledges anything. His father, Cedric, and music November Nelson was Josh’s girl- next year, but I couldn’t imagine put- teacher, Mr. Tambori, were very disap- friend, and they were very close with ting anyone through what we went pointed in him, he said, because he had each other. November always brought through.” Reporters proceeded to ask a musical gift and had out the best in Josh by encouraging him why he put himself through all of it, blown his chances. “I’m very upset to take part in the community’s activi- and he responded that he didn’t know with the decisions I made,” he said, “and ties and by making him happy. what he was getting into. He said that there have been more than a few con- Josh is survived by his parents; the Warriors of Distinction was a club sequences because of my choices and Brock and Marlene Prescott, uncle and looked at with respect by the com- actions.” The reporters then expressed step-aunt; Cedric and Geneva Prescott, munity, and that members got nice their condolences to Jericho and ended cousin; Jericho Prescott, step-cousins; clothes and were swarmed by the girls. the interview. Todd and Rory Prescott, and girlfriend; However, he said, that when he joined, November Nelson. he was forced to steal ornaments for Community News Story a tree to donate to orphans, and take Troubled Warriors Human Interest Story part in gross initiation activities like Trouble is brewing for the local War- An Interview with Jericho acting like a dog, putting his head in a riors of Distinction club. On Saturday Prescott toilet, and searching through a dump- morning at approximately 3 A.M., at the A few days ago, reporters met with ster. He was then asked why he didn’t final initiation for new pledges, pledge Jericho Prescott, a survivor of the just quit, and he said that the seniors Joshua Prescott jumped from a second- Ohio hazing incident that happened told them that the pledges were broth- story window as instructed, but missed just weeks ago. He was very close to ers, and that if any of them quit, they the mattress pit below, hit his head on a his cousin, Joshua Prescott, who died would all have to quit. He said that he rock, and died from his injuries. Mr. Cul- at the incident. Jericho has been very couldn’t betray his fellow pledges. “I ligan, the adult in charge of the club, had afflicted by all of this trauma. When even skipped my trumpet recital that apparently been at Frederick Douglass High School setting up for a party to be held later, and was unknowing of the events that occurred. The Warriors of Distinction have always been a respect- able club, as they have always donated toys to poor families and orphans dur- ing the holidays, but now, it seems that things have been getting out of hand. Parents and former members of the club told us that they didn’t have to go through anything that these young men and woman did and that the “Leap of Faith,” in their time, was simply jumping off of a chair while blindfolded. When exactly the danger factor escalated is still to be uncovered, but parents are bewil- dered and outraged at the incident that has happened, and they want answers. All that is known for sure at the moment is that the future of this once-dignified club hangs in the balance, and many people want it to be eliminated for good.

12 YSU English Festival

Friday David Shannon Greenville Junior/Senior High School Chicago Tribune Missing Local Youth Found Dead in Tallahatchie River

Emmett Till, from Chicago, was found him when Mrs. Bryant said he got the attend high school this fall. He enjoyed by Robert Hodges early this morning wrong boy. Two men, presumably Bryant playing baseball with his friends. Emmett while he was fishing in the Tallahatchie and Milam, went up to Wright’s house helped run their house and helped earn River in Mississippi. and took Emmett from their care while extra money from helping his neighbors Hodges saw Emmett’s knees sticking two others, presumably Mrs. Bryant and out of any of the many ways he could. out of shallow water and checked it out another man, waited in Milam’s truck. since he was unsure what it was. He This is an ongoing report. Stay tuned Obituaries notified the sheriff’s office immediately and find more out each day. Emmett Louis Till of his find. Police took Mose Wright, Emmett leaves behind a grieving Emmett’s uncle, to the scene of the Chicago Tribune mother who lost her only son, Uncle crime to identify the body. “Officers said Emmett Louis Till Mose Wright, Aunt Elizabeth Wright, that the body had been weighted down High School Student and several cousins. with a cotton gin pulley tied with barbed Emmett Louis Till, of Chicago, was The open-casket viewing will be held wire. There was also a bullet hole in his kidnapped from his uncle Mose Wright’s Friday, September 2 to “Let people see head.” (Page 68) shack a few miles outside of Money, what they did to my boy” (Page 66) Roy Bryant and his half brother J.W. Mississippi, Thursday, August 25 and at Rainer Funeral Home. The funeral Milam have been charged in connection was found early yesterday morning, service will be held the following day, with the kidnapping that occurred early Wednesday, August 31, in the Talla- Saturday, September 3 “at the Roberts Wednesday, August 31, 1955 hatchie River. He was 14. Temple of the Church of God in Christ.” Sunday morning; “the sheriff’s of- Emmett was born in Chicago, Illinois, (Page 18) His family will lay him to rest fice said that an additional charge of July 25, 1941 to Louis and Mamie Till. Tuesday, September 6 “in Burr Oak murder will be made since the turn of A relative nicknamed him “Bobo” as an Cemetery in Aslip, Illinois.” (Page 67) the event.” infant and the name stuck. Louis died Emmett allegedly made sexual com- less than five months after Mamie gave Chicago Tribune ments and wolf whistled at Mrs. Carolyn birth to Emmett. Today the White Sox are playing Bryant, who also faces a kidnapping He attended James McCosh Elemen- the Boston Red Sox for a consecu- charge. Bryant admitted that he took tary School for his seventh and eighth tive game following yesterday’s game Emmett but claimed that he released grade years and was getting ready to against them. The White Sox will not

13 Festival of Writing 2013 be playing tomorrow so they can travel Sports your own, tell a relative of his and have to Cleveland to play the Indians at the The Boston White Sox currently him whip him the boy’s backside with Cleveland Municipal Building, Friday, have won sixty-percent of their total his own father’s belt! Saturday, and a double-header on Sun- games, lost thirty-nine games, and tied William Faulkner eloquently said, day. The White Sox played the Boston one game against the Baltimore Orioles “Because if we in America have reached Red Sox yesterday where they won by August 7. that point in our desperate culture two runs. Last Sunday the White Sox Tune in to Bob Elson’s live play-by- when we must murder children, no mat- played a double-header against the New play analysis on WCFL radio or get the ter for what reason or what color, we York Yankees, losing one and then, with new edition of The Sporting News to don’t deserve to survive and probably motivation for a comeback, won one. get the latest news on the Chicago won’t.” (Page 111) White Sox. Past Six Chicago White Sox Editor’s Page Games Chicago Tribune I agree with it one-hundred per- Dear Editor, cent. I want to see Milam and Bryant Aug. 25: W Senators 1-6 Loss I am outraged and extremely get what they deserve, capital pun- saddened at the death of Emmett ishment. Aug. 26: W Senators 0-10 Loss Louis Till! He was from here in Chicago “Sleep well, Emmett Till. You will and didn’t know any better; he didn’t be avenged. You will be remembered Aug. 27: W Senators 11-1 Win know their way of life. He heard about as long as men have tongues to cry the wickedness of the south but didn’t out against evil.” (Page 108-109) Aug. 28: Yankees 1-6 Loss understand how bad the prejudice of Negros is down there. Emmett was a With Sincere Love, Aug. 28: Yankees 3-2 Win boy of young age; he died at the age of Evelyn Hayes young Aug..30: B Red Sox 7-5 Win fourteen. He was fourteen years ! If you want to punish a kid that is not

The 2014 Candace Gay Memorial Essay Contest

One of J. D. Salinger’s characters remarked: “What really knocks me out is a book that, when you’re all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it.”

Explain which 2014 English Festival book made you feel this way and why.

14 YSU English Festival Williamson Fund Impromptu Prize-Winners Impromptu Prompts for 2013 17 April Senior Impromptu Essay As a reader, explain what you noticed about the different literary genres represented on this year’s Festival booklist (Getting Away With Murder and King of the Mild Frontier are nonfiction; Dark Sons and Bronx Masquerade are poetry; Deadline, Copper Sun, and The Battle of Jericho are fiction). Based on your observations, make a case for the genre that you think conveys a story most effectively. Use at least two of the Festival books that are categorized in your genre selection.

18 April Junior Impromptu Essay Chris Crutcher has said that one way to remember others is to commit acts in their names. Of all the characters you have encountered in this year’s Festival books, discuss at least 2 characters you’d like to remember. Say why you think remembering those characters is important. Then, describe an act you can commit in each selected character’s name.

19 April Junior Impromptu Essay Perhaps the greatest benefit to “Open Mic Fridays” in Bronx Masquerade was the opportunity given to students to figure out who they might be and what they might say. Using at least two characters from separate books on this year’s Festival booklist as examples, explain what enables them, and ultimately all human beings, to become more mature and complete individuals. What obstacles get in the way? What limits or allows a character’s personal growth?

First-Prize Essays

Wednesday Arona Mostov Ursuline High School Character Representation Through Genre

A compelling story has many com- Warriors is revealed to the reader. This becomes more than a slave, and she is ponents. While these components makes his continued participation in humanized. This creates the connec- sometimes include accurate facts and the Warrior’s hazing more understand- tion between Amari and the reader. well-researched information, the most able. Jericho’s wish to fit in, which is This connection furthers the story. intriguing stories are ones told using emo- conveyed only through his thoughts, Polly, also from Copper Sun, is better tion. Stories are most effective when the makes him relatable. Characters that understood when her thoughts and reader experiences a connection to the are relatable help the author to better emotions are revealed. Polly seems work. The emotion behind a story is what convey a story. Insight into characters’ like an uncaring and cold-hearted establishes such a connection. Fiction is minds aids the story in Copper Sun as person, indifferent to Amari and at the genre that truly captures this idea. well. Without understanding Amari’s times disgusted by her. It is revealed, Fiction effectively conveys stories through thoughts and emotions, the reader however, that Polly feels outcasted as insights into the characters’ thoughts and may think of Amari as just a slave, as well. As Polly gains a new understand- emotional appeal. the slave owners and auctioneers did. ing of Amari and eventually accepts A story can be better expressed When her thoughts and emotions are her, the reader is able to better relate when the reader gains insight into revealed, however, the reader gains to her. Gaining insight into characters’ what and how the characters think. In understanding of how she misses her thoughts allows readers to connect The Battle of Jericho, Jericho’s desire home and feels the true sting of be- to the story and understand it on a to be accepted and approved of by the ing treated as less than human. Amari different level. 15 Festival of Writing 2013 Fiction also uses emotional appeal The use of insight into a character’s can play a larger role than accuracy. to effectively convey a story. Fiction thoughts and strong emotional appeal Emotion is one of the strongest tools an authors can use tones to appeal to are ways in which fiction best conveys a author can use to create a compelling readers in a certain way. In The Battle story. Fiction is unique in that emotions and memorable story. of Jericho, the author creates a tone of desperation as the Warriors’ haz- ing grows out of control. The reader is able to understand the seriousness of Jericho’s situation. Joshua’s death is conveyed in a tone of extreme despair and grief. Jericho’s world shatters down around him in a way that greatly appeals to the reader’s emotions. The author of Copper Sun effectively uses emotional appeal to convey the story. The use of saddening and disturbing images, such as the slaves being tortured on the slave ship, provoke sympathy for Amari. Her deep desire to find freedom stimulates the reader emotionally as well. Using emotional appeal in these ways allows readers to better connect with and un- derstand the story.

Thursday Anna Sracic Boardman High School Striving to be Remembered

To be remembered is something really struck me in the story was how The main reason I think Sylvia is so most people strive for in vain. The she wanted to quit wrestling. While memorable is that she didn’t end up number of people who deserve to be most authors would have kept her as doing the conventional “right thing.” remembered greatly outnumbers those a wrestler to make a point, Crutcher Sylvia never tried to be anyone’s hero, who actually are. Yet still, we must at chose to create a character with a and yet that is exactly what makes her least attempt to honor those worthy relatable, realistic thought process. one. She was brave and intelligent, of memory. Two characters from this Chris was someone most girls could yet she was the last to admit it. Her year’s English Festival books certainly see themselves as. decision was hard, but she didn’t make deserve that. To remember this character, I would it spur of the moment; it obviously The first character I’ve chosen was choose to draw on her dramatic exit wasn’t easy for her. Sylvia represents introduced and brought to life by Chris from the world of wrestling. A televised a person with true humility and Crutcher. Written into a short story, wrestling event, complete with staged intelligence. she wasn’t given much material, but violence and ridiculous costumes, fea- In my opinion, Sylvia should be Crutcher still managed to make her turing female wrestlers, seems to me remembered by what she fought for, story engaging and admirable. I think an appropriate way to commemorate a school. I would propose building a we can all admit, Chris Byers was easily Chris Byers. She ended her run with a school in her name in her hometown of one of the most memorable characters bang, one we can make sure is never Little Rock, where it all began. this year. forgotten. I’ve given you two characters today, Blessed with sharp wit and The second character I’ve chosen both worthy of being remembered. impressive physical prowess, Chris was written by Sharon Draper. Portrayed However, that wasn’t the goal of ei- represented both the idealistic as a young African American girl stuck ther of these two girls. You can’t force embodiment of female empowerment in a bad time to be one, I believe the yourself into memory; you can only as well as a relatable, somewhat character Sylvia Patterson is certainly do what you think is right and hope impulsive, teenage girl. One thing that worth remembering. for the best. 16 YSU English Festival

Friday Bailey Hornberger Western Reserve Middle School Self Realization to Maturity

From this year’s selection of books cousin. However, up until the death of Till that he befriended down there for the English Festival, I believe that his beloved cousin and friend, Jericho was brutally murdered, and rage the characters Jericho (The Battle of was oblivious to the whole thing. He fired up in the South. Hiram realized Jericho) and Hiram (Mississippi Trial, didn’t think that what the group was that things weren’t as sweet as he 1955) were good examples of hu- doing was bad or harmful. Not when thought they were when he was eight. man beings growing up with difficult he was stealing or his friends were His friend R.C. was dangerous and obstacles to enhance their maturity. being harmed. He couldn’t see what abusive, and racism was everywhere. In The Battle of Jericho, the main pro- he was doing wrong. The importance Hiram believed that R.C. was to blame tagonist Jericho faces the decision on of being in the group meant too much. for the murder, but it was just a false how to tell when a situation has gone When his friend plummeted to his accusation. Within this book, I think too far. In the book Mississippi Trial, death by jumping out of a window, Hiram learned not to be so naïve and 1955, young Hiram Hillburn learns I think it finally clicked. Being able to accept the truth for what it is. To the harsh truth of how things aren’t to tell the difference of what could become more mature, I believe it is always as they seem. be harmful to you is important and key to accept the world for what it is Within The Battle of Jericho, a boy needs to be realized to become more and not cover it up with lies or any named Jericho is accepted into an or- responsible and mature. false beliefs. ganization called the Warriors of Dis- In Mississippi Trial, 1955, Hiram Within these two characters, I be- tinction. Being in this group was sup- Hillburn returned to Mississippi after lieve they learned not to be so naive posed to be a big deal, but it wasn’t several years to visit with his sick and oblivious. To stare their situations what it appeared. Jericho’s friend grandpa. He was so excited in his re- square in the eye and decide if what Dana was abused several times in the turn that he was shocked to find out they’re doing is the right thing. If not, group’s pledging activities along with how things really went down in the they should try to fix it and learn from one activity involving the death of his South. A young boy named Emmett their mistakes. Second-Prize Essays

Wednesday Halie Doyle Boardman High School Fiction: Powerful Medium for Storytelling

Authors use a myriad of genres truth through a story -- while the fictional, they are highly relatable, and techniques to tell stories, convey characters and events are fictional, especially to teen readers. When ideas, and connect to their readers. the universal truths within the piece readers identify with a character, it Nonfiction, such as Getting Away are very much real. becomes easier for them to emotionally with Murder, presents the facts and Reading this year’s Festival books, connect to a work of literature. When the history of the Emmett Till murder I’ve realized that fiction can be one a reader connects with a piece, the case. It describes a true event, pro- of the most powerful mediums for themes within become more apparent viding background and details. Bronx conveying ideas. For example, Deadline and more meaningful. Masquerade gives insight into the reveals themes of life and death, Another example is The Battle of lives of young people growing up in inequality, and personal responsibility Jericho, a novel in which Jericho seeks the Bronx, and the multiple speakers and guilt. The author illustrates these belonging and acceptance among and narrators give the reader a mul- themes by creating a richly detailed his peers. His story appeals to young tifaceted understanding of the char- canvas upon which characters think, people who are still searching for acters and their environment. Fiction feel, and interact. While the Wolf their place in the world, balancing such as The Battle of Jericho presents brothers and Dallas Suzuki may be their own desires with society’s ex- 17 Festival of Writing 2013 pectations and questions of right and wrong. Through a fictional portrayal, the author provides subtle guidance to the readers. Readers are able to connect with a character, feeling as though they are witnessing the story firsthand. The reason fiction proves to be such an effective medium is that it portrays true messages in an entertaining and thought-provoking manner. Readers witness the events of the story as well as the characters’ internal conflicts. They can personally identify with characters. While the characters may not be real, they can provide readers with companionship, guidance, and inspiration. Stories reassure use that we are not alone in our struggles, that others have overcome similar problems, and that we too can overcome.

Thursday Kendra Hale Kittanning High School Remembrance Through Actions

In many of his short stories and African Americans, who faced the most he grew up around his grandfather’s an- throughout his autobiography, Chris outspoken of those opposed to deseg- tiquated, bigoted ideas, he still managed Crutcher tackles the tough topic of losing regation, it was also trying for Jewish to grow into an astute and egalitarian someone who you’re close to. Whether people. In one of the short stories in Ath- young man. He is nice to everyone, even through death or some other unfortunate letic Shorts, an overweight highschooler his crazy, “fairy” neighbors. In order to circumstance, loss is tough. When one is faced discrimination because of his body. remember Hiram, I would make an at- gone, we human beings often wish to for- All of these characters and many more tempt to be fair and nice to everyone, get. Yet we eventually come around and unmentioned ones faced difficulties and despite influential circumstances. develop a desire to remember. Through overcame them. For this, they deserve to The second character that deserves the recollection of someone close to us, be remembered. However, there are two memorial is Darren from Chris Crutch- we can begin to feel closer to them. Even particular characters that should really er’s Athletic Shorts. In the short story if someone is not eternally separated from be remembered. “In the Time I Get,” Darren is a gay man us, remembering them as they were is These two characters, one from working in a town that would rather spit very important. Chris Crutcher also ad- Chris Crutcher’s Athletic Shorts and one him out than hold their noses. Darren dresses in his writings that one of the best from Chris Crowe’s Mississippi Trial, also happens to have AIDS. Though Dar- ways to remember someone is to commit 1955, were both outstanding people ren knows that he is going to die, he still acts in his/her name. and should be remembered. As was tries to live his life to the fullest in the This year’s YSU English Festival selec- aforementioned, one of the best ways time he gets. He also helps to influence tion is wrought with heroic characters to remember these people would be to the main character of the short story. facing tough times, tough places, and all- commit acts in their names. Thought I already attempt to live life to around tough circumstances. In Fire from The first character that I would wish the fullest, doing so in Darren’s name the Rock, Sharon M. Draper describes to remember is Hiram Hilburn from Chris seems even more appropriate. what it was like to be a teenage girl living Crowe’s Mississippi Trial, 1955. Hiram, These two wonderful characters de- in Little Rock in the thick of the civil rights though quite despondent towards his fa- serve to be remembered through acts movement. Not only was it difficult for ther, proved to be a great person. Though of kindness. 18 YSU English Festival

Friday Caitlin Rust Jamestown Area Jr/Sr High School Hardships Bring Change

There are many ways that a per- another. All through the book, the main herself by trying to follow everyone’s son’s character and personality can character questions the morals of not expectations and declines. develop. Maybe they read or see only those around him, but himself too. Conflict, such as in the above books, something and take a deep message Seeing a boy he knew dead and the grief often forces people to change, whether from it. Maybe they have an epiphany. of Emmett’s mother makes him realize for better or worse. Sometimes, it is One of the most time-tested ways, that he shouldn’t waste time fighting because what appeared to be the truth however, is through strife and hard- with the people he cares about – after can no longer be viewed as such. Other ship, and it is no different for charac- all, our time is limited. times, people are forced to choose. ters in books. Another character who only starts There are many other ways hardship The main character of Mississippi to truly develop in troubled times is the can change someone. In the end, we Trial, 1955 is a good example of this. He main character of Fire from the Rock. aren’t that different from fictional char- is raised with prejudice and therefore She is asked to help integrate a school. acters – we laugh, cry, and get hurt. We doesn’t think much about it. However, Deep down, she really doesn’t want fall and climb back up. But what truly his encounters with Emmett Till and to, but she is torn between what she makes us human – what makes fictional Emmett’s subsequent murder pit his wants and what others expect of her. characters and worlds seem alive – is beliefs and the ugly truth against one In the end, she decides to stop limiting that we change. Third-Prize Essays

Wednesday Angela Pupino Canfield High School Fiction: Preeminent Genre for Storytelling

The plethora of genres in literature For example, a nonfiction book about tive at conveying stories. keeps reading interesting, fun, and the slave trade would not have cap- Fiction writing also bests poetry diverse. From poetry and fiction to tured the slave experience or a slave’s in its ability to incorporate details. meticulously researched nonfiction, emotions as well as Amari’s story in While poetry is also not limited in the different genres can tell different Copper Sun. Nonfiction books are full stories it can tell, the worlds it can stories in amazing ways. Fiction writ- of interesting facts and details, but the inhabit, or its ability to capture read- ing, however, is the most effective at reader would probably not have felt ers’ hearts and minds, it is limited in telling a story. For its detail and ability the pain of a slave like Amari, who is the amount of detail it can provide. to expose readers to different worlds taken from her home and forced to Stanzas in poetry are much shorter and elements of fantasy, fiction writ- assimilate to a new culture against her than their paragraph counterparts ing can convey a story to its readers will. Although wonderful nonfiction in fiction and are almost always less most effectively. writers can at times capture emotions descriptive. Poetry can be beautiful Firstly, fiction writing can convey which stir readers, emotions abound and stirring, sometimes more so than a story to readers due to its ability in less scientific fiction writing which fiction, but the terseness of the genre to expose readers to different worlds are often absent in nonfiction. Fic- makes capturing all the details fiction more effectively than nonfiction. tion books are also not limited to the can all but impossible. For example, if Nonfiction books are, by their very present, past, or even this universe. Deadline had been a book of poetry nature, limited to true events which This can stir imagination in a way that instead of a fiction novel, the story have already occurred. Missing from nonfiction cannot. Fictional worlds are may not have been so rich in detail. It nonfiction are elements of fantasy, alive with possibility. For its ability to would have been difficult to capture whimsy, and often characters’ hopes, make stories come alive and create the characters’ emotions or the details dreams, and thoughts of the future. new realities, fiction writing is effec- of their everyday lives. Poetry could 19 Festival of Writing 2013 have captured the fear of dying or the world. Due to its remarkable ability to to convey a story in the most effective themes of sexual abuse, pedophilia, introduce new worlds, bring emotions to way. Fiction books and the stories they or dark secrets in chilling lines, but it readers, and its ability to use details to pull contain stir imaginations, open minds, is unlikely that its readers would have in readers, however, fiction writing is able and fill hearts with emotion. known the characters as well as they would after reading a fiction book. Sympathy for characters often comes through deep, meaningful connec- tions and an intimate knowledge of their personalities, feelings, thoughts, emotions, and lives. This is possible in poetry, but it is much more common and actually expected of fiction. Min- ute details in a story, from a mole on someone’s cheek to a glass of water on a counter, do matter. Details in a story can change a reader’s perception in an instant, and in that way poetry has a disadvantage. The lingering storylines in fiction can pull readers into a story, and this makes reading fiction more compelling for readers. The various and unique genres that line bookshelves around the world each possess the ability to tell a story in an amazing way. When the right story is paired with any genre, the result can be a literary masterpiece which shapes the

Thursday Reagan Wish Neshannock Jr/Sr High School Characters Who Inspire Action

In life, people come and go. Rarely to go, and she is unsure about which can honor her by trying some new is someone, real or literary, impactful direction is better, but she eventually things I want to do, even if I might enough to really leave a mark. This decides to stay. Her decision made not fit in at first, and by doing my best English Festival, I have encountered me like her all the more – she was to excel in them. She didn’t quite fit quite a few characters that made their honest with herself upon making in at wrestling, even though she was marks on me. Two of these, Sylvia from it, a trait I wish I had. In her name, great at it, and was teased, but she still Fire from the Rock and the girl wrestling I could try to be candid with myself didn’t give up. Because of that, this champion from Athletic Shorts, are char- and others in the face of difficulty. By character is important to remember, acters that are important, in my opinion, showing bravery and honesty in real and trying a new thing is the least I to remember, and are also characters life, I would be honoring her in some can do in her name. who deserve to have good things done small way. Undoubtedly, these two characters are in their names. I also admire the girl champion important to remember for their qualities, The main reason I want to remember wrestler in Athletic Shorts, for several and their names can be honored for the Sylvia is because she is brave as well reasons. The greatest, quite simply, is same reason. Both have great attributes as true to herself. Throughout the that she is a girl. Generally speaking, and prevailed in difficult situations. Sylvia, book, Sylvia is struggling with the girls don’t practice sports like wres- from Fire from the Rock, and the girl difficult decision of switching schools tling; that rough-and-rowdy game is wrestling champion from Athletic Shorts to the all-white/newly-integrated usually reserved for boys. She did, have left a mark on my mind that will not school. She is confused on which way however, and she did it very well. I disappear for a long time. 20 YSU English Festival

Friday Emily Janikowski Champion Middle School What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger

What doesn’t kill you makes you her over. The Warriors turn out to be to evolve into a more confident and stronger. We’ve all heard this saying at an immature, rude, bullying group of emotionally secure young adult. least a dozen times or so, and it’s true. hazers that force Jericho and his friends In the short story “Goin’ Fishin’” in Obstacles in life, whether emotional or to do things that they would never do. Athletic Shorts, we meet another char- physical, do make us stronger and more Things quickly escalate from gross to acter going through hard times by the mature in the long run. Many characters dangerous when a gun is found and name of Lionel Serbousek. Lionel is an in the English Festival books faced ob- then deadly when Josh, Jericho’s cousin, orphan who lives alone in a dingy old stacles that made them more mature, dies. All along, Jericho knew that this apartment. His parents and brother complete, and sure of themselves as was wrong and that he should quit, but were killed in a boating accident by his human beings. he didn’t. If he had, he could have saved drunken best friend. To overcome this In The Battle of Jericho, Jericho, our Josh, as he too would have been forced obstacle of pain and misery and grief, protagonist, faces a great moral and to quit. Jericho knows this, too. The Lionel has become a tougher, more hard- emotional conflict. He has decided to fact that he didn’t do anything limited ened person. In his mind, this is a good join the Warriors, a distinguished club at his personal growth in the short term thing, but really it’s stunting his personal his school with fraternity-like qualities. because he didn’t do the right thing, but growth because he is too closed off to do Joining the Warriors guarantees you in the long term he learned a lesson he anything good in his life. Something that a wonderful high school experience, would never forget. The Warriors and finally “jumpstarts” his personal growth especially with the ladies. Jericho is the hazing were big obstacles that got in is his best friend Elaine. Angry at her, he overweight, insecure with about zero Jericho’s way, but he became a mature threatens to hit her, and she yells at him, confidence, and he is in love with the and secure individual with closer friends telling him what a jerk he is and that she beautiful and completely put together because of it. Hopefully, Jericho can is sick of being his friend. Eventually, this Arielle, so he joins the Warriors to win overcome the obstacle of Josh’s death and the guilt he has accumulated over time prompt him to seek out Nick. Nick is the best friend who killed Lionel’s family and has since become a drunk and a drug addict in an attempt to self-medicate his obstacle of guilt away. Lionel still hates him, but in a show of a more open Lionel, decides to take him fishing. Without real- izing it, Lionel has finally gotten over his obstacle by turning the page and letting go of the past. There are many obstacles in life, but how you defeat them makes the biggest difference in the world. The human race was made to overcome obstacles, and Lionel and Jericho show that. Neither is perfect: Jericho ignores his conscience and continues with being hazed even though he knows it’ll end badly, and Lionel becomes angry and closed off, but in the end Jericho becomes a bet- ter, more confident person playing his trumpet with pride and moving on from Arielle, while Lionel realizes he has to let go of the past. Ultimately, that’s life: going from one obstacle to the next and becoming stronger to defeat the rest. 21 Festival of Writing 2013 The Tribune Chronicle Journalism Workshop Prize-Winners

First-Prize Articles: Wednesday Interview with Nikki Grimes by Emily Gianetti Canfield High School music, literature and theatre. She even- Nikki Grimes knew two things from similar to the reliable teacher in Bronx tually did get a chance to thank the a young age. One was that she wanted Masquerade. teacher “for her investment,” a time she to be a writer, and the other was that She could not control everything, recalled with a smile. she needed her “writer’s eye” to do it. Grimes was told, but she could control “Events are all how we choose to Grimes appeared at the Youngstown her life and her future. respond to them,” she said. “Whatever State University English Festival in She held onto books and stories you do is going to be hard. Find your Maag Library on April 17 to give a press and threw herself into the arts: dance, passion and go with it.” conference about herself, her life and her books. Clad in a black shirt and pants ac- cented with purple books, Grimes took questions from the students, many of whom read her books to prepare for the festival. “I was one of those weird birds,” she said early on. “I knew I would be a writ- er. I can’t understand why it took me so many years to convince everyone else.” She draws her inspiration from life, she said, from things that happen to her and to those around her. It was Grimes’s father who told her to use her writer’s eye, to file away every- thing she sees. Characters have been born from lines of dialogue overheard at a restau- rant and scribbled onto a piece of paper. It is what Grimes called the “magic aspect” of writing. That is not to say that all of Grimes’s life has been magical. Her teen years were some of her most formative, a time when she dealt with issues ranging from health problems to her mother’s mental illness. You’re still being shaped and formed,” said Grimes of high school. A favorite teacher from 10th grade provided Grimes with stability, encouraging and supporting her through the troubles, a concept 22 YSU English Festival Interview with Chris Crowe by Allison Beckinger Liberty High School

“You have to do something that you game, but “things aren’t what we think perseverance is important, especially for like, not something that can make you they are and as you get older you see a writer. He said that he does not procras- a lot of money.” how things are changing.” So with this tinate, he just thinks. His perseverance, Chris Crowe gave this piece of advice creativity, he changed from the history he said, is what allows him to fool himself to students on April 17, during a press major he no longer cared for to an Eng- into writing a complete book. conference at the journalism workshop lish major, which was his passion. Crowe also told students that having at Youngstown State University’s 35th Crowe was not always a successful a good family background helps with annual English Festival. writer. He began by writing freelance and that perseverance, because then there Crowe has authored books on “sto- in one summer received one hundred is a support system. He himself did not ries that others haven’t.” From a young rejections. He kept pushing on, though, have a good relationship with his father age, he loved to read, but he wanted until he was a success, and that is why he as they “just didn’t see things the same to be on the other side of the book. tells students that “writing is hard so you way.” That is why he works hard to have a Throughout high school, he was a jock have to like what you are doing.” good relationship with his own children. and went to Brigham Young Univer- His writings today focus on civil Crowe told students that the best sity on a football scholarship. That was rights. He says that what drew him to advice he could possibly leave them when he discovered that someone can this topic was that he did not know a lot with is to always persevere and to try be a jock and creative, as he was the about the Civil Rights and his ignorance to have a good relationship with their only English major on the football team. made him curious. parents, “because those relationships He said that in football there is an Crowe said that through his experi- are a big deal.” “all or nothing” attitude toward the ences in writing he has learned that

First-Prize Articles: Thursday Interview with Chris Crutcher by Natalie Eusebio South Range High School

“Don’t you have to read to write?” can put pen to paper (or fingers to “When I was a kid you had two were the first words that author Chris keyboard). channels on your TV and your remote Crutcher’s dad said when Crutcher Crutcher also told the students was a stick.” first spoke of being a writer in his early that his main characters are often Chris Crutcher is one of the most- twenties. reflections of himself. But for the banned authors in America. Crutcher On Thursday, April 18 of 2013, young tragedy, he pulls from his experience spoke of the first time he realized he adult author Chris Crutcher stepped in as a therapist. He spoke of his clients was banned. front of a group of young students in the as people who kept trying to stand “I picked up an issue of New York Maag Library on the campus of YSU. The back up or children who had been Times and saw that I was on a banned Maag Library was holding a journalism abused. books list with authors like Mark Twain workshop as one of the many sessions Crutcher laughed and said, “Actu- and Harper Lee. Do you know how many offered to students at the 35th YSU ally, a lot of my clients ask to be in my copies I bought?” he said with a smile. English Festival. books!” Chris Crutcher went on to explain how Crutcher was wearing jeans with a When Crutcher was asked to reflect he believes kids should have the power t-shirt and open button up. on his childhood, he said, “There are a lot to decide what they read. When asked about his writing pro- of memories I haven’t written about yet.” As advice for young aspiring au- cess, Crutcher explained, “I do a lot Crutcher also talked of how chil- thors, Crutcher listed three things: of thinking before I start.” He added dren growing up in today’s society “One, read as much as you can. Two, that he has a short attention span and have so much more access to informa- write! Three, never let people tell you often takes a swim or a jog before he tion via technology. you can’t do it!” 23 Festival of Writing 2013 Interview with Sharon M. Draper by Victoria Johngrass Boardman High School

• Wake up at 4 a.m. Draper got into writing when she was Draper stated that she thinks it is • Write all day in absolute silence challenged to enter a writing contest. important that people know about kids • Go to bed at 8 p.m Her story was influenced by a time she their age changing the world, and that went to the store and saw a lady cursing is why she wrote Fire from the Rock. That is the schedule of author at her young son. She went home, wrote Draper told the interviewers, “I didn’t Sharon M. Draper. about it, and won first prize on the first kill Josh, he killed himself.” Draper was at the YSU English Festi- thing she had ever written. She said he was stupid, and she’s val for a press conference on the morn- Draper said, “I was meant to be a not trying to teach children not to ing of Thursday, April 18. writer,” and she said she believes she follow in his footsteps. Draper stated Draper provided insight in her career would’ve began her writing career even that people get whatever they want and life for 7th-9th graders at the if she wasn’t challenged, but not until out of books, and it’s not her job to journalism workshop. much later in her life. teach morals. Draper is a realistic fiction writer Despite being inspired by the angry Draper told aspiring authors to aim who lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. She says woman in the store, she stated she for quality and master the skill. most of her books are set in Cincinnati doesn’t know where her ideas come More books can be expected from because she knows the city. from. Draper then joked about going Draper in the next year. She informed “I actually like teenagers,” Draper said down to Walgreens to buy them. us that last Monday she turned a book when asked why she writes for young “Ideas come from everywhere,” in to an editor, and it should be finished people. She stated that she believes they Draper said. “A writer pulls the ideas by next year. are the most fun and open to questioning. from that place and puts them on paper.”

First-Prize Articles: Friday

Interview with Chris Crowe by Katy McClelland Laurel Jr./Sr. High School

Every story has a beginning, and don’t I know this?’” ers. All of those influences help him Chris Crowe’s story started with an Chris was born in Danville, Ill., with write for his favorite target audience, attractive librarian. In Chris’s summer a sister and two brothers who had a adolescents. after sixth grade, he started the bulk of tendency to hold him down and shove Historical fiction is his favorite genre his reading because of a pretty librarian a sweaty sock in his mouth for a laugh, to write because he said that he is ter- who kept recommending books to read; he said. rible at making up plots. Although some that’s what inspired him to write. Before wanting to write, Chris had an people don’t have a thirst for writing, When Chris writes his books, he tends interest in being a teacher and a coach. Crowe says that writing is just part of a to relate the story to his own experiences, He has done both but had to quit coach- typical day for him. as well as relate the characters to people ing because of the time commitment. Whenever he is writing, he sits in his he knows. His wife, being a big reader Crowe says he tries to write 600 writing room that has no windows or herself, is very skilled in picking out what words every day, typically in the morn- cell service to distract him. To encourage will work and what won’t work to grab ing. Another interviewer asked him him to write, his local bookstore has a attention. what encourages him to finish a book. candy counter with toffee covered pea- One of the interviewers asked why he He said chuckling, “A deadline and nuts that he eats one when he finishes liked writing historical fiction so much. contracts.” a page. He replied, “My own stupidity really. His influences are travelling, his wife, Chris Crowe is very dedicated and As I learned more about it, I asked, ‘Why the books he has read, and his teach- proud of his writing.

24 YSU English Festival

Tips for Journalism Articles • Prepare ahead. Research the author and plan your questions.

• Think of a good lead—a one- sentence paragraph that will catch the reader’s attention.

• Keep paragraphs and sentences brief and to the point.

• Focus on what makes this person interesting and relevant.

• Use active verbs and straightforward description. No fluff.

Interview with Nikki Grimes by Daniel Driscoll Cardinal Mooney High School

Imagine a young girl living in the The author said how she spent her plore the difference between who Bronx. She’s staying with a stranger, childhood in numerous different foster they really are and how they present her current foster home. With a homes, mostly with strangers. Poetry, themselves to the world.” Everyone clouded mind and a heavy heart, this she said, was her stronghold; “It was wears a mask, she said. When we take girl finds comfort in something very how I survived.” them off, “we are more alike than we dear to her: poetry. Grimes explained the obstacles are different.” Nikki Grimes, a New York Times she faced on her way to achieving her Grimes got the idea for Mr. Ward, the best-selling author, spoke to a confer- dream of becoming a poet, a dream that English teacher in Bronx Masquerade, ence of 7th through 9th graders at began at age six. from a friend of hers after being invited to the 2013 Youngstown State University “I felt like an endangered species.” witness one of their own poetry readings. English Festival in the Maag Library At the time, narrative poetry was not “It was just phenomenal,” said on Friday, April 19. While speaking to popular. Editors did not encourage it. Grimes. the crowd, Grimes told of her broken This advice went “in one ear and out As a result of her book, poetry childhood, her dream of becoming a the other,” said Grimes. “It’s like telling readings and open mic classes have poet, and obstacles she overcame to a leopard not to have spots: if you’re a appeared all over the country. achieve her goals. poet, you’re going to write poetry.” When asked about this, Grimes said, “I It was “beyond broken,” said This idea of obstacles in the way had no idea what I started with this book.” Grimes, when asked about her child- of your goals is expressed in Grimes’ Grimes said she writes for her hood. He mother, and alcoholic and Coretta Scott King Award-winning book, audience, that her goal is to explain mentally ill, did anything she could Bronx Masquerade. In said book, 18 important subjects that aren’t being to discourage young Grimes from teens, all of different ethnicities and addressed, to “fill the gap.” Through writing. backgrounds, express their feelings her own personal experience, and Her father, she said, gave her her cul- through poetry and rap. through her writing, Grimes shows that tural education; he died when Grimes In writing the book, Grimes said you can overcome adversity to achieve was 16. she wanted the characters to “ex- your dreams. 25 Festival of Writing 2013 Second-Prize Articles: Wednesday Interview with Nikki Grimes by Natasha Torrence Sharon High School

Nikki Grimes, prolific author of young velop what he calls a writer’s eye and a a much more intimate part of her life. adult books, sat in front of a small crowd writer’s ear,” Grimes said. Grimes said that her 10th grade of high schoolers. Grimes dressed in all Using her “writer’s eye” and “writ- English teacher and guidance counselor black, a pop of color on her boots and er’s ear,” Grimes came into the habit truly helped her stay on the path. Grimes necklace as she pondered a question. of taking notes all the time. Her char- said that at the time, she was in “freefall” “Wow,” Grimes said, “you guys are acters, which often drive her stories, and could have been lost if it were not going deep!” are a combination of people she for her teacher. Her teacher, a Holocaust At Youngstown State University on knows and things she hears. Anything survivor, would tell Grimes “this too shall April 17, a small group of students that sticks with her, she writes down pass,” encouraging her to keep writing travelled to the Maag Library for a somewhere. and focus on where she wanted to be. press conference with Nikki Grimes, Grimes said that her characters all Grimes ended the conference a featured author at the YSU English have some aspect of her. Her strong sense by saying, “Everything that comes Festival. Students questioned Grimes of faith often comes into play with her into our life, depending on how we thoroughly, trying to discover the per- characters. Being that she relied so much respond to it, has the potential to son behind more than 17 novels. on her faith as a teen, she even called God influence you.” Grimes, author of Bronx Masquer- her “best friend,” that it is a “natural part Grimes shared her life and thoughts ade and Dark Sons, said that she was of how my characters tend to be.” with the students, leaving them inspired often by the things around her. The students continued to ask ques- enlightened. “My father encouraged me to de- tions, delving into her childhood and

Interview with Chris Crowe by Nathan Watt Kittanning High School

Chris Crowe remembers a summer Crowe said that he remembers blocking where he was rejected by publishers one a punt but failing to capitalize on the hundred times. In a situation where many touchdown opportunity. Later, Crowe budding authors would have thrown in said that this experience taught him to the towel, Crowe persevered and con- accept mistakes as well as successes. tinued writing until he got his big break. The mindset that Crowe developed On Wednesday morning, students as an athlete led him to be persistent as from several regional high schools got to an author as well. interview historical fiction author Chris Crowe said, “I learned a lot about Crowe at Youngstown State University to writing just by being turned down all learn a little more about the man behind the time.” books like Getting Away with Murder. As a child, Crowe not only had a love wife is an artist and often helps Crowe Crowe cited his athletic background for sports, but also a voracious appetite critique his work. as a major contributing factor to his suc- for reading. Crowe said, “She is a really big help cess. Coming from a family with several “I loved to read as a kid,” Crowe said, to me.” athletic and studious siblings, Crowe and also noted that among his favorite Crowe’s advice to young authors was said that he was inspired to achieve in childhood authors were H. G. Wells and to write and read as much as possible, the classroom and on the playing field. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. even books that do not initially seem One of Crowe’s significant memories Crowe also credits his wife, whom appealing. He also said to “fill the hole comes from his career as an offensive he has been with since high school, in the bookshelf,” meaning to try and lineman at Brigham Young University. as a major help to him creatively. His appeal to a specific audience.

26 YSU English Festival Second-Prize Articles: Thursday Interview with Chris Crutcher by Cortland Stone South Side Middle School

“I’ll tell you my writing process, but “no.” Advice to his teenage self was also you don’t want to follow it,” Chris Crutch- given by Crutcher, and that was simply er said when asked if he would tell the to not be a goof and don’t be proud of it. “press” how he writes his stories at the “Are there any characters that you YSU English Festival on April 18, 2013. have the most ties with?” a student Crutcher added that he finds an asked Crutcher. intense topic and just writes. After get- Confidently, he said “yes” and that ting burned out from a long four-hour “Angus and I were buddies for a long session of straight writing, he gets away time.” from it and doesn’t go back to it for This author also unveiled that his about four months. On purpose? No. characters were a big part in his life. Crutcher claims it is his ADD, procras- Most characters were based off of him, tination, and short attention span that but the tragic-storied characters were keep him from writing, but once he gets from his years of being a therapist. back into it, he’s in it. “As human beings, we are respon- Inspiration was also a topic brought and Tom Robins all inspire his stories. sible for what we do,” Crutcher says is up in the press conference. Crutcher Also added were three pieces of advice the message he wants to bring out in says his “smart alec” attitude mixed in to young writers. Those were to read, all characters. with tragedy from past patients and write, and “never let anybody tell you As Crutcher left the scene, he told favorite authors including Christopher you can’t do it,” as Crutcher says he was the students, “Make me look good,” Paul Curtis, Terry Davis, Louis Lowery not discouraged by people who told him and he left. Interview with Sharon M. Draper by Lydia Marshall Niles Middle School

Sharon Draper was at the grocery She also shared that teenagers are at all about 1957…I thought it was store one day when she witnessed her favorite thing to write about. She important that this generation knows something that would influence her likes how young people are open to that there was a group of kids who writing. She saw a mother screaming at asking questions. changed the world.” her child. Draper saw the woman curse “I was always meant to be a writer,” After growing up in Ohio, visiting at the three-year-old boy. Draper said. “I was always really, really Africa four times and being a middle Soon, that event would help inspire good at reading and writing…math, not school and high school teacher, her to write a story, and that very story so much,” Draper shared. Sharon Draper has learned to collect was turned in to a contest, and Draper Draper describes her writing genre inspiration from her daily life. She won first place. as “realistic fiction.” likes to be influenced by nature. So, “All life influences writing,” Draper “If one day I meet a zombie I will when she writes, she sits in a room shared when questioned about what write a zombie book,” Draper said with windows covering one wall, inspires her. “It’s a good job; I lie for a while gesturing with her hands. The two bookshelves covering two more living,” she added. sun shone through the windows onto walls, and her desk and door on the At the Thursday morning press her hands, illuminating her rings and others. conference in the Maag Library, bright red nails. Sharon Draper loves sharing stories Draper shared why she loves writing Draper was also questioned about with young people. She says “some- for teenagers. her novel Fire from the Rock. times a book just needs to be written.” “I actually like teenagers,” Draper “You guys don’t know anything laughed. 27 Festival of Writing 2013 Second-Prize Articles: Friday

Interview with Interview with Nikki Grimes Chris Crowe by Tessa McClish Crestview Middle School by Morgan Jessep Champion Middle School “I grew up in the Bronx and moved Grimes said, “Poetry became the from one foster home to the next. Po- hot thing. It generated a lot of much- “I think a good story is interesting, etry helped me through my troubles.” needed energy.” fit with interesting characters that This was author Nikki Grimes’s re- Soon enough, this session became a have something unique about them sponse when the question “How did po- regular thing. Mr. Ward set up a stage and are easy to relate to,” said Chris etry affect your childhood?” was asked. and a spotlight and began videotaping Crowe during a press conference held This question came about at a press students. at Maag Library at the Youngstown conference during the Youngstown “The students amazed me. Some State University annual English Festival State University English Festival. were making up poems on the fly and on Friday, April 19. Crowe, author of “If I had listened to what every editor reading them to the beat of music.” Mississippi Trial: 1955 and Getting Away said about my early pieces of writing, I In her free time, when she’s not writ- with Murder: The True Story of the wouldn’t have a career.” ing, Grimes said she enjoys watercolor Emmett Till Case, spoke to a group of Nikki Grimes got the inspiration for painting. 7th and 8th grade students participating the novel Bronx Masquerade out of her “I enjoy painting florals. Painting is a in the Festival about his thoughts and experiences in life. sort of stress reliever.” experiences as a writer. “I live in California and visit lots of “My father had always been the “If I’m being good, I write every schools. Mr. Ward in Bronx Masquerade one to encourage writing. In this, he day – first thing in the morning,” said came from one of my good friends that included the need for a writer’s eye and Crowe. did an activity similar.” ear.” Nikki Grimes said, “Poetry helped Crowe also talked about his writ- Nikki Grimes said her character Mr. me though my troubles as a kid, and I ing environment: “No windows, no Ward was based off of one of her good continue to enjoy it today.” internet, my cell phone is turned off friends, who was a teacher. Nikki had She concluded the conference with – nothing I can do except write.” previously visited her friend to listen to her advice for writing. The author rewards himself for some of his personal poetry. In the act Nikki Grimes said, “Read, read, read, every page completed with a toffee- of reading this, his students decided to and write, write, write.” covered peanut. join in the reading. “Not a great idea if you’re trying to lose weight,” said Crowe. Crowe first got his interest for reading and writing when he was in 6th grade. “There was this real good-looking librarian,” said Crowe. “She was gor- geous, a redhead.” Even though Crowe had no idea what he was doing when he started writing, he still thought it’d be cool to be “one of the ones to write a story.” Being the author of various audi- ences, Crowe’s favorite audience is young adult literature. Crowe is currently writing a book taking place in 1968.

28 YSU English Festival Third-Prize Articles: Wednesday Interview with Chris Crowe by Jenna Holub Newton Falls High School

In a press conference with Chris Crowe on April 17, 2013, students sat down to talk with the author and dig deeper into his life and writings. The English professor and writer talked about life as a jock-turned-author for the par- ticipants at the YSU English Festival. Being the only English major on his college football team at BYU, Chris Crowe has always faced different forms of chal- lenges as a writer. Crowe even said he was once rejected “one hundred times” over a span of time before getting his works published. “Writing is hard. You have to like it Interview with Nikki Grimes even when it isn’t fun,” Crowe said. When talking about his inspirations, by Harvest Radich he said he gets them mostly from his- tory. He was even a history major when Howland High School he first started college. Crowe has said that writing historical fiction is good for A young child, at the mere age of Although Grimes’ father proved to him because it gives him a platform to six, sits down to write a new short be a major supporter in her life, Grimes base his writing off of. story or read her favorite poetry book, put most of her trust in her faith. This platform helps him, he has said, dreaming about the day she will finally Today she infuses this sense of re- because he is a “sloppy” writer and the be what she knows she is destined to ligion into every work she completes process can be very unorganized. He has be: a writer. and hopes that her readers connect to said he is terrible at setting up direct plots. Nikki Grimes, now an older version her emotion. So when he faces writer’s block, it of her six-year-old self and fresh off an “The most important element in doesn’t help. He has said that on many American Airlines flight with only four writing is to connect to the reader,” occasions he faces it, but tries to consis- hours of sleep, sat down with students Grimes said. tently write to try and avoid it. on April 17 in YSU’s Maag Library. It is this sense of understanding and With that all being said, Crowe has The Dark Sons author, adorned in the impact she has with readers that still managed to write books that seem various jewelry pieces, talked to stu- keeps Grimes writing. to capture the attention of some people dents about her early childhood and The Bronx Masquerade writer enjoys today. In 2007, Crowe was awarded the what inspired her throughout the years. learning about those readers she has Karl G. Maeser Excellence in Research and “I knew from the age of six that I had an effect on and encourages those Creative Arts award from BYU, and in 2008 wanted to be a writer,” Grimes said. inspired by her work to achieve their he was also awarded the Nan Osmond She adds that her father played an own dreams. Grass Professorship Award in English. integral role in her early childhood, “Choose the thing that you’re pas- Crowe continues to write to this day always encouraging her to observe her sionate about,” Grimes said. while maintaining his teaching job. He en- surroundings. The distinguished author concluded joys creating healthy relationships with his He coined the phrase “writer’s eye” the makeshift press conference by ad- children and is married to his high school and never stopped encouraging Grimes vising practice and determination in or- sweetheart. He is currently working on a to pursue her dreams. der to achieve those most sacred goals. new book set for release in 2014. 29 Festival of Writing 2013 Third-Prize Articles: Thursday

Interview with Chris Crutcher by Natalie Petit St. Hilary School

When Chris Crutcher’s father found On the topic of banned books, “As human beings, we are respon- out about his son’s new writing career, Crutcher said with fire in his eyes, “Free- sible for everything we do,” Crutcher the first words out of his mouth were, dom of the mind is the big deal.” told the group. “This responsibility is “Don’t you have to read to write?” The First Amendment and freedom how we respond to something.” Crutcher himself admits that if he of expression were key words Crutcher His message was what he wanted to could give a piece of advice to his teen- used when telling about his feistiness leave us with as the press conference age self, it would be to stop being such when dealing with people “with very wrapped up. He also told the group that a goof in the sense that you’re proud of different ideologies.” he is inspired by injustice, unfairness, doing work. He was not an avid reader. Being a therapist, Crutcher said he human rights, and when his own sense In an interview with Chris Crutcher heard stories he could not have imag- of decency is violated. on Thursday, April 18 at 10 a.m., he ined. The question he digs deep for is, Crutcher has two books in the forma- opened up to the group of students “What got you here and how can we tive stages, which are currently in the seated in front of him, scribbling notes get you out?” He bases many characters four-month “thinking” span of his writing. after everything he said. As part of a off of people and their real-life experi- As he left, after shaking hands with journalism workshop at the YSU English ences, so he develops a personal tie the coordination, he snuck back over, Festival in the Maag Library, Crutcher with each of them. Main characters are grabbed his bag, and exclaimed, “Make stood, relaxed, smiling at the questions a reflection of him and his own response me look good!” with a warm smile, com- and answering them thoughtfully. to happenings. pleting the mood in the room.

Interview with Sharon Draper by Travis Heiberger Reynolds Jr./Sr. High School

Schoolteacher and eccentric writer proclaimed several times how she loved Draper says that her teacher, Sharon Draper doesn’t teach any morals speaking to teenagers. although mean, was a source of in her stories. Sharon explained that her newest inspiration for her later novels, such as “You take what you take out of my book was just submitted and that it Fire from the Rock, 1957, and Copper stories,” she explained enthusiastically. will be a middle-school read set back Sun. “Most of my stories are about charac- in 1932. “I wanted to write Copper Sun ters that do bad things, but I never tell “Just in case you were wondering, because I went to Africa, and I wanted anyone not to do anything.” I wasn’t alive then,” she playfully everyone else to know how great it On Thursday at the 35th annual commented. was.” YSU English Festival, middle and high Sharon Draper has taught every Sharon finished up the press con- schoolers from across Ohio and Penn- grade from 9th to 12th. She says that ference by encouraging the journalist sylvania gathered to celebrate reading her writing career is based on her love prodigies to clap louder than another and literature. for children. group that was interviewing Chris Some students opted to take a crash When inquired about her most Crutcher. course in journalism, with a mock press negative experience as a writer, she More information about Sharon conference with Sharon Draper, famed animatedly explained that in 8th grade, Draper and her works can be found on realistic fiction writer from Cincinnati. she received her first C in math class. her website: www.sharonsdraper.com. Throughout the conference, Draper “I was heartbroken! I cried and cried “Come dream with me.” remained loud and enthusiastic. She and cried over a tenth of a point.” 30 YSU English Festival Third-Prize Articles: Friday

Interview with Chris Crowe Interview with by Mallory Ohlin Nikki Grimes Champion High School by Joseph Wizorek Greenville High School This Friday, April 19, Chris Crowe continued to say that his brothers influ- spoke to a group of students in a jour- enced him to get good grades and stay nalism workshop at Youngstown State in sports, however. Nikki Grimes, author of many books, University for the annual English Fes- Now, Crowe is an English professor at visited a high school in California that a tival. His books being featured at this Brigham Young University. Being an Eng- friend of hers taught at. Her reason for event were Mississippi Trial, 1955 and lish teacher, Crowe said, makes writing being there was to speak to students Getting Away with Murder: The True worse because of time consumption. about her career. Story of the Emmett Till Case. Crowe does try to write every day, The students had been learning about In response to how Crowe began though; he writes in a place with “no the Harlem Renaissance and the surge of writing, he said, “There was a really windows or internet” where his cell poetry. Grimes was struck by how many good-looking librarian.” phone doesn’t work. On rare occa- students brought in poetry to read in the He continued to describe this sions, said Crowe, he keeps toffee- open mic setting the teacher had created. librarian as a “gorgeous redhead.” He covered peanuts in his drawer. When This became the template of one of was in 6th grade at the time, and from he writes a page, Crowe said, he gets her newest books, Bronx Masquerade, this librarian he read many novels which a piece. a story of high school students who “ex- led Crowe to think, “There’s somebody “This is good,” Crowe smiled, “un- plore the difference between who they behind this book.” less you’re trying to lose weight.” This really are once they take off that mask.” From then on, Crowe led a normal silence sent an echo of laughter in the She has loved writing since she wrote life, as any other teen with three broth- room. her first poem at six. She used to think of ers would. Currently, Crowe is working on and herself primarily as a poet, but no longer He chuckled and said, “They tor- finishing a new novel. This Monday, does because the narrative poetry that tured me.” he will also be travelling to Boston to she writes is, in fact, narrative, so she From a family of “jocks,” Crowe said speak, and he’ll be going to England in does enjoy writing stories. his brothers would “hold [him] down the summer. Poetry, however, is her forte. It and get a sweaty sock and shove it When asked if Crowe was glad to comes naturally to her, and she enjoys down [his] throat” for a laugh. He then attend the festival, he said, “Of course!” the wordplay, how she can paint a pic- ture or tell a story through just a few words. She says as a child she “was fascinated with language, that one word can mean many different things.” Grimes spoke at a press conference for the Youngstown State University English Festival on the morning of April 19. The conference was organized by the Tribune Chronicle in Maag Library on campus. She sat in a chair facing every student and answered every question, from her childhood ambitions to whether or not she wrote about superheroes. She talked about obstacles, saying, “Actually, I felt like an endangered species.” Despite all of her roadblocks growing up, she continues to write and educate the world on issues of today. 31