Seven New Philadelphia student writers, accompanied by English teachers Kelly Shimek and Laurie Wallick, competed in the Creative Writing Conference held at Kent State Tuscarawas, April 8, hosted by the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center.

Each student wrote a five-page creative short story for submission. At the conference, New Philadelphia students, along with students from Claymont, Carrollton, Strasburg, and Indian Valley had a chance to work with KSU professors and members of the Tuscarawas Writers Guild. New Philadelphia won four professor choice awards and both best of class trophies.

The best overall sophomore winner was Ashley Mizer. Best overall freshman winner was Rachel Gibbs.