Preserving What’s Important:

Published 1:00 am Wednesday, September 10, 2008

tYoung Orcas writers win top prizes in Land Bank writing contest

Young adult writers were challenged to write about ‘Preserving what’s important in a changing world’ and ‘Imagine the Islands without land conservation’ in essay or poem format for the third annual young adult essay contest sponsored by the San Juan County Land Bank.

Elli Blaine’s first-prize- winning poem, ‘Orcas Oasis,’ was awarded $250.

Jeanie Tran’s poem ‘This Land Was Made For You and Me’, and Lily Sky’s poem ‘The Hermit Questions’ were named co-second place winners, receiving $50 each. When receiving word of her award, Lily said, “This is such an important topic. I think that it is wonderful that this competition brings the topic of preservation into high schools, particularly to students in the beautiful San Juan Islands. Thank you for offering this opportunity to all of us.”

Land Bank Commissioner at large, Amanda Azous, and local writer Janet Thomas provided judging services.

The Land Bank may be contacted by email at sjclandbank@rockisland.com or at 360-378-4402.