A first-grader’s cheerful tale about an alligator and its love of cupcakes will represent Richmond Grade School at the state’s Young Author’s Conference on May 22 in Bloomington. First-grader Mikaela Winkler, who is in Jennifer Wojcik’s class, wrote the story that judges chose above 100 other entries in the contest. Runner-up Elizabeth Kaht, a third grader in Colleen Clary’s class, will attend the conference if Winkler cannot attend. Kaht’s story, What’s That Black Thing Whizzing By?, was written in verse and stars her energetic dog, Remington.

            The Young Author’s Contest takes place every year at RGS and at other schools in the district and state. In the past, RGS students’ participation in the contest was required. However, this year, it was entirely voluntary.

            “I’m really excited and proud of all of the students who went beyond what was expected of them to submit stories this year,” Kindergarten teacher Anne Bosma told the students during an assembly. Bosma and RGS librarian Jane Larsen organized the contest at the school. Principal Judi Jones said that the students did all of the work on their own, either during free class time or at home. “We feel very proud of our students, and we’re so excited that so many of them love to write,” she said.

Contest judges included parents and RBCH high-school students. They spent an entire March day reading all the books, which included a thoughtful story about bullies, an adventure tale starring a brave pup, an account of a mountain-climbing adventure, a hilarious tale about a dog’s party while its owners were away, and lots of stories about family pets.

Following are the contest winners, by grade.

Kindergarten: My Dog Lucky Had a Party, by Carley Prejna, Grade-Level Representative; The Little Polar Bear, by Timmy Deux, Best Illustrations; and Taylor’s Trip, by Taylor Jones, Most Creative Format.

First Grade: The Happy Alligator, by Mikaela Winkler, Grade-Level Representative; The Wizard’s Wintry Spell, by Troy Zaremba, Best Illustrations; My First Pet, by Cassidy Gundelach, Most Creative Cover; My Dog Riley, by Alana Fuentes, Best Nonfiction; and The Mixed-Up Fairy, by Amy Samuel, Most Original Story.

Second Grade: Johnny Green and His Pet Cow Petunia, by Connor Butler, Grade-Level Representative; Ghost Dog, by Katy Johnson, Best Illustrations; and The Magic Jellyfish, by Mariah VonBruenchenhein, A for Effort Award.

Third Grade: What’s That Black Thing Whizzing By?, by Elizabeth Kaht, Grade-Level Representative; Talking Dogs, by Taylor Keup, Best Illustrations; The Dream, by Erin Hartig, Best Cover Design; and I Wish, by Jake Gravedoni, Most Touching Theme.

Fourth Grade: Mission World War II, by Michael Slater, Grade-Level Representative; Mysterious Sea Monster, by Kyle Bennett, Best Illustrations; and The Library, by Samantha Koenig, Most Creative Format.

Fifth Grade: The Case of the Letters in the Locker, by Rachel Wisinski, Grade-Level Representative; Patches, by Ellie Meisner, Best Illustrations; Lanilili Peak, by Madeline Parsons, Best Nonfiction; Super Pup, by Ally Holian, Best Cover; Cassie’s Journal, by Shannon Milz, Most Touching Theme; and The Dragon’s Den, by Richard Kaht, Best Fantasy Story.