Story by student reporter, Caitlyn Atkinson
A local student’s poem has won a statewide competition and given its author positive encouragement to work toward a potential writing career.
Recently, Thomas County Central High School sophomore Jada Moore won first place in the Booth Western Art Museum’s annual Writing Through Art Literary Competition in the Narrative Poetry category. The competition was held statewide with 150 of its entries from TCCHS students.
“When I found out I won, I didn’t believe it,” Moore said. “It really hit me when I went home and told my mom and she was just as excited. To win a competition at this level really puts into perspective how much potential my writing has.”
Moore’s poem is about personal heritage and “how much a battle it may or may not be personally.” She was inspired to write the poem by personal experience, and said that once she started thinking about her own life and ancestors “it seemed an injustice to not write about it.”
“I’m very grateful that someone thought my writing was impressive enough to be recognized like this and it only means I can do much more in the future,” she said.
Moore’s work was submitted by her English teacher, Kensey Edgar.
“Jada’s poem has a beautiful and vivid diction and her writing has a certain tone/style that is very natural and unique,” Edgar said. “I am very proud of Jada. Her ideas and writing are always insightful and refreshing. I am honored to teach students like Jada.”
Thomas County Central competes in many writing contests throughout the year. Sharon Davis, writing contest coordinator, said this contest was brought to her attention by Robin Cartwright, the curriculum person for the county. This is TCCHS’ first year entering this contest.
“I saw it as an opportunity for students to write creatively and turn art into words,” Davis said. “Because Ms. Edgar, Mr. (Zack) Bell and I collaborate together, we decided that we would require our 10th graders to participate. All three of us were excited about the opportunity and were pleased at what our students produced.”
Moore sees writing as a permanent part of her life.
“Writing is something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to not do,” she said. “It’s always been something to help me cope with things I can’t - or don’t want to - control. For the future, I’m just focusing on my progress and how much I can grow in how I tell stories and how they can come across through different perspectives. I look forward to publishing something one day.”