Parkville High Students Finalists in Literature Letters Contest

Three Parkville High School students are among 10 in Baltimore County to be named finalists in the 2013 Maryland Letters About Literature Contest. 

The statewide contest, coordinated by the Maryland Center for the Book, is part of a national contest sponsored by the Library of Congress’ Center for the Book, according to a news release from Baltimore County Public Schools.  Open to students in grades 4–10, the contest challenges young people to write to the author of a book that influenced their self-image or worldview.

The finalists from Parkville High School, and the books they wrote about are:

• George Akparewa – “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• Taylor Gondeck – “Life After War: Book One” by Angela White
• Brittany Swonger – “Night” by Elie Wiesel

Other Baltimore County finalists came from West Towson Elementary School, Dumbarton Middle School and Dulaney High School. The ten finalists were chosen from a pool of 1,768 entries by Maryland Students, according to the release.

Nationally, nearly 47,000 letters were submitted to this year’s contest, the release states.

At an upcoming awards ceremony held at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral Street downtown, at 11 a.m. April 13 winners and runners-up will be selected in each of three competition levels, the release states. 

Students who win will be notified in advance and asked to read their letters at the ceremony.

Is there a particular book that inspired you as a teen or as an adult? Tell us in the comments.