Three Hatfield students named finalists in nationwide WQED writing contest
One student in first grade and two students in third grade at Hatfield Elementary School in the Laurel Highlands School District were named finalists in the nationwide WQED Writers Contest.
Lilianne Amber, Gia Gaudiano, and Xavier Kopec were announced as finalists on May 3, but found out what position they placed within their grade level categories during a special ceremony held May 20 at the Frank Sarris Public Library in Cannonsburg.
Gaudiano received Honorable Mention in the first grade category for her story, 鈥淔uture Fashionista.鈥� Kopec placed third for his story 鈥淭he Boy Who Found His Voice鈥� and Amber received first for 鈥淧ainting the Future.鈥� Both students were in the third grade category.
Hatfield Elementary School Principal Heidi Gallis-Mears said she challenges the students at the school to write across the curriculum daily. She encourages participation in the WQED contest every year, and Hatfield has had several winners for the last three consecutive years.
The 2023 WQED Writers Contest named 16 finalists out of over 400 entries across the country including students from New Jersey to California. This year鈥檚 contest was sponsored by WQED, The City of Pittsburgh, and the Amelia Miles Foundation.
To see all the finalists鈥� stories read by the authors/illustrators themselves, visit www.wqed.org/education/writers-contest/2023-winners.