Budding Whitehall Author Takes First Place in Missoula Public Library Fiction Writing Contest

Whitehall Elementary fourth grader Aleena McDonald has been selected as the first place winner in the Missoula Public Library's fiction writing contest for her age group.

In January, Mrs. Loomis gave the class information for the writing contest and encouraged students to submit an entry. Aleena took the initiative to write a story and, with the help of her parents, submitted an entry before the deadline. Last week, Aleena was notified that her submission, "The Shadows," a seven-page, six-chapter mystery thriller, had been selected.

"It is a well-written piece of writing with suspense, foreshadowing, deft description, and surprising plot twists," said Mrs. Loomis.

Her story was shared with her fourth and fifth-grade peers, and the result was the same in each class. The kids raptly listened as the tale's suspense mounted and the conclusion was revealed. She received many compliments and encouragement to get it published. "I'd buy that book!" many kids excitedly exclaimed. Mrs. Loomis is amazed at her gift of writing.

She told the class, "You know how we read excerpts at the end of our stories in our Reading textbook where they tell about the authors? The authors often talk about what inspired them to write. One day, when you have kids, your child will read an excerpt about the author, Aleena McDonald, in their reading textbook. This author will be telling about how, in fourth grade, her dream of becoming an author was kindled when she won a writing contest. Won't it be exciting to be able to tell your kids, I was there. I know that author! She was my classmate."

Aleena is very excited to receive this award. In addition to a $100 cash prize for being selected as a first-place winner, she will also be honored at a lunch banquet in April. The amazing coincidence is the date of the banquet ceremony happens to fall on her birthday. Good things come to those who write!