Local writers to show off talent nationally

LYNNFIELD-Two Lynnfield Middle School students have been selected to represent the school in the nationwide 2008 Promising Young Writers Program.Eight graders Megan Kvedar and Laura Ricciardone will have their formal and impromptu pieces evaluated by the Massachusetts State Committee. Results of the contest are expected by May, with an award ceremony following in June.The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) has sponsored the program each year since 1985. Eighth-grade students across the U.S. and Canada have the opportunity to participate and have their writing acknowledged. The council hopes that the contest will stimulate student writing and emphasize the importance of strong writing skills.To qualify, students must submit a piece of poetry or prose that was completed on their own time, by themselves, without any additional help from teachers. Based on size regulations created by the NCTE, Lynnfield Middle School was allowed to nominate two students for the national competition.Kvedar and Ricciardone then had to participate in an after school impromptu writing session. They had 90 minutes to create their rough draft and final copy about either a song or musical piece that has or had a particular impact on them.The topic changes each year and remains strictly confidential until the clock starts ticking. Past topics included writing about a parent or guardian who?s influenced their lives, what it means to be an adult, something valuable you can?t buy in a store, and advice you?d give to a friend entering the eighth grade.Each written work is judged on content, purpose, audience, tone, word choice, organization, development, and style. Authors of pieces that stand out from the rest are awarded with a Certificate of Recognition. Those students then have the choice of having their work published by the NCTE.MaryBeth Wing, Ricciardone?s language arts teacher said she is very proud at the girls? accomplishments.?It is always exciting to see them stretch their writing skills regarding style, content, and mechanics,” Wing said. “We strongly believe that better writers are better thinkers, and we encourage them to be scholars who use their heads, hearts, and spirits each time they write.”