Mineral Area College Hosts Annual Word Fest Writing Competition

Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - Mineral Area College is recognizing talented young writers from across the Parkland following its annual Word Fest competition.

The Mineral Area College English Department recently hosted the event, inviting area high school students to submit personal narrative essays. This year, nine schools participated, including Arcadia Valley R-II, Cape Central, Central R-3, Eminence R-1, North County R-1, Perry County 32, Ste. Genevieve R-II, Viburnum Iron County C-4, and West County R-IV.

Students competed across multiple class divisions, with top performers receiving awards and recognition for their writing.

In the Senior Class Division, Reese Brogan of Arcadia Valley earned first place, while Jacqueline Epley of Cape Central received second place honors.

In the Junior Class Division, Kaylee Mays of West County was awarded first place. Lynlea Seabaugh of Perry County earned second place, and Lauren Jackson of West County placed third. Each of the top three junior division winners received a $250 Mineral Area College dual credit or dual enrollment scholarship.

In the Sophomore Class Division, Audrey Hall of Arcadia Valley took first place.

Freshman Class Division honors went to Maci Goodwin of Arcadia Valley, who earned first place, and Melody Harper of North County, who placed second.

In addition to scholarships and gift cards awarded to top finishers, all participating students received journals in recognition of their efforts.

The annual Word Fest competition highlights the importance of writing and creativity among local students, while strengthening connections between Mineral Area College and area high schools.