Students in Pella were challenged to write short stories and poems as part of the Three Rivers Reading Council Writing Challenge. The local and state winners read their works Monday night, which included students from Pella and Pella Christian grades K-12. Three Rivers is a group of local educators aiming to improve literacy in the area.

Three Rivers Short Short Winners 2018-2019

First Grade:
1st place: My Nana has Cancer by Emmett Manning
Teacher: Mrs. Deb Fessler, Madison Elementary, Pella

Third Grade:
1st place: Bob and His Toys by Miriam Michmershuizen
Teacher: Mrs. Elly Van Zee, Pella Christian Grade

Fourth Grade:
1st place: Spring by Rachel Kacmarynski
Teacher: Mrs. Brenda Nugteren, Pella Christian Grade

Fifth Grade:
1st place: Deserted by Garrett Wielard
Teacher: Mrs. Kelly Nikkel, Pella Christian Grade

Sixth Grade:
1st place: Flying on Ice by Kalyn Oltrogge
Teacher: Mrs. Jill Jansen, Jefferson Intermediate, Pella

Seventh Grade:
1st place: Unexpected by Rhea Cutler
Teacher: Mrs. Donna Boots, Pella Middle School

Eighth Grade:
1st place: Mr. Linden’s Library by Skye Rhoten
Teacher: Mrs. LuAnn De Haan, Pella Middle School

Tenth Grade:
1st place: The Unexpected by Alisha Collins
Teacher: Ms. Sheri Haveman, Pella Christian High School

Twelfth Grade:
1st place: Purple Eyes by Zhiying (Kitty) Gu
Teacher: Ms. Sheri Haveman, Pella Christian High School
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Three Rivers Poetry Contest Winners 2019

First Grade:
1st Place: “My Little Brother” by Annabelle Winward
Teacher: Mrs. Heather LaHue, Madison Elementary, Pella

Third Grade:
1st Place: “Rainbow Differences” by Delaney Ferrell
Teacher: Mrs. Connie Azinger, Lincoln Elementary, Pella

Fourth Grade:
1st Place: “Junk” by Rachel Kacmarynski
Teacher: Mrs. Brenda Nugteren, Pella Christian Grade

Fifth Grade:
1st Place: “Books” by Maisy Meinders
Teacher: Mrs. Crystal Schreur, Pella Christian Grade

Sixth Grade:
1st Place: “I Am a Lion” by Nora Ausman
Teacher: Mrs. Jill Jansen, Jefferson Intermediate, Pella

Seventh Grade:
1st Place: “Here I Am” by Zoie Winward
Teacher: Mrs. Catie Brand, Pella Middle School

Eighth Grade:
1st Place: “The Silent Effect” by Stephanie Masek
Teacher: Mrs. Donna Boots, Pella Middle School

Ninth Grade:
1st Place: “I Was There Even Then” by Nia Hoekstra
Teacher: Ms. Sheri Haveman, Pella Christian High School

Tenth Grade:
1st Place: “The Wind” by Morgan Meinders
Teacher: Ms. Sheri Haveman, Pella Christian High School

Eleventh Grade:
1st Place: “Night Dress” by Emily Van Beek
Teacher: Ms. Sheri Haveman, Pella Christian High School

Twelfth Grade:
1st Place: “Wildflower” by Abby Ambroson
Teacher: Ms.Sheri Haveman, Pella Christian High School