Young authors honored in annual writing contest

The Crook County Library Foundation sponsors the Mary Hadley Memorial Young Author’s Contest annually, in memory of local author Mary Hadley. Born and raised in San Diego, California, Mary grew up on the beach but always wanted to be a cowboy.

That dream came true when she married Bob Hadley in 1949. They spent their life together running ranches in Nevada, Oregon and Wyoming and raising seven children.

Later in life, Mary found enough time to capture some of her experiences in stories and articles. She especially liked to write – and read – children’s books. “Children suspend disbelief,” she said, “and follow a yellow brick road wherever it takes them.”

Despite challenging circumstances this spring, the Library Foundation did proceed with the contest this year. All Crook County youth were invited to participate by submitting one of the following: 1. Cowboy Poetry, 2. Fiction story about a Crook County landmark or 3. Nonfiction story about their family.

Prizes were awarded in four age levels at each of the three libraries – the winners in each age level went on to the county competition, where prizes were again awarded in each age level. There was also an overall award winner and an award for the teacher with the highest percentage of her class participating.

Winners in Sundance were: Preschool through Kindergarten – first place Ella Ellsbury and second place Livia Ellsbury. Fourth through sixth grade – first place Ronan Jones.

Winners in Hulett were: first through third grade – first place Lindsey Dennis and second place Colby Dennis, fourth through sixth grade – first place Alicia Dennis. Seventh through twelfth grade – first place Kayla Dennis.

Winners in Moorcroft were: first through third grade – first place Hadley Hanson, second place Skyla McDaniels and third place Wyatt Williamson. Seventh through twelfth grade – first place Camden Hanson.

First place winners from each community were then entered into a county-level competition. Winners were Preschool through Kindergarten – Ella Ellsbury, first through third grade – Hadley Hanson, fourth through sixth grade – Alicia Dennis and seventh through twelfth grade – Kayla Dennis. Each winner was presented with a certificate and a $25 check. The Overall County Winner was Kayla Dennis, who received a $50 award check.

The Teacher’s Award goes to the teacher who had the highest percentage of class participation in the contest. This year the award went to Maylee Baron-Kanode of Moorcroft, who participated with her third grade class.