Haden Hodge, 15, of Hurricane, WV accepts his award for winning the first Young Christian Writers Contest, from Amy Thornton, on behalf of the Fayette County Prayer Group.  His entry, titled Matthew 5:10, earned the highest composite score in the competition. 

The non-fiction challenge was presented this summer, for 15-18 year old teenagers in West Virginia to answer the question, "What are your greatest challenges and triumphs being a Christian teenager in America in 2023?" in 1,000 words or less. 

The entries were scored by a panel of four judges based on 5 elements: 1) Understanding of the topic 2) Original thinking relative to the topic 3) Adherence to contest rules 4) Effectiveness in presenting a point-of-view and 5) Literary style, grammar and spelling.  The composite scores were then added together for each entrant to determine the winner.  All entries received were very good. 

Haden received $100 cash, a $20 gift certificate from Out of the Ashes specialty shoppe and a NIV Study Bible for teens. 

Due to the positive feedback and entries received, the Fayette County Prayer Group plans to host future writing contests, for a variety of ages, to highlight the talented youth of West Virginia who are shining their light for Christ in this world.  

To stay up-to-date with future contests offered, follow Beacon News West Virginia writing contest or the Fayette County Prayer Group on Facebook, using #FCPGwritingcontest.

To read Haden Hodge's winning entry, click here.