PBS Kids Writers Contest winners

Prairie Public has announced the winners of their 2023 PBS KIDS Writers Contest. Two hundred and fifty-one local children submitted creative entries, and all received certificates of achievement.

Among the first place winners were Jaelyn Timm, Kensal, first grade, with

"Banana Gets in Trouble" and Raegan Harildstad, Carrington, second grade, and her story, "Eva the Owl Fights the Darkness."

Other first place winners included "Tulip and the New Chips Store" by Rachael Thakare, Grand Forks, N.D., kindergarten and "Stuck in Space" by Sam Schauer, Jamestown, N.D., third grade.

"Every year Prairie Public is a proud host of the Writers Contest because it underscores our commitment to the success of children," said Callista Martinez, Prairie Public's community engagement coordinator.

Judges who evaluated the entries and chose the winners were library staff at the Fargo Public Library, and retired educators Marlys Davis and Julie Huebner.

The annual PBS Kids Writers Contest is an initiative designed to promote the advancement of children's literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. The contest encourages children in grades kindergarten to grade three to celebrate creativity by submitting their own original stories and illustrations.

Sixteen stories were chosen for first place and red ribbon favorite recognition, which are all available to read at prairiepublic.org.