Madison Reporter

Three students from the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) were recognized in the 4th Annual WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest. The event is a collaboration between Madison Public Library and Forward Madison FC.

Ash Gartler, a sophomore at West High School, won the Grand Prize for their story "Dear Joni," which explores themes of family relationships and overcoming difficult experiences.

Two other MMSD students were named semifinalists: Wallace Snover, a fourth grader at Schenk Elementary, for "Everything is Not What it Seems," and Adele Daugherty, a fourth grader at Nuestro Mundo Elementary, for "I Am A Root."

This year's contest received 176 submissions. Judging was conducted by community members, including Constance Roberts from Stephen Elementary and Justin Festge-Russell, an East alum and city of Madison Youth Poet Laureate.

Winners were honored on the field during a Forward Madison FC game. They received team merchandise, certificates, and cash prizes provided by the Madison Public Library Foundation. The Grand Prize included $500; runners-up each received $250; three semifinalists were awarded $100 each.