Robert Grindy
Richland Community College, Decatur

From Eureka to Mowequa, Monticello to Murrayville, entries from across Central Illinois poured into the third annual Generations Writing Contest for high school students. Through stories, poems, research papers and personal essays,
students explored their heritage in remarkably varied and creative ways, reflecting the rich talent of our young people.

The conference was sponsored by Central Illinois Regional Planning Committee of the Illinois Humanities Council, Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, and Richland Community College in Decatur and the Illinois State Historical Society.

First prize of $300 went to Mark Stephen, a 17-year-old senior at Rochester High School, for an essay about his great-grandfather's life in the circus.

Second prize of $200 went to Deborah Gaskins of Blue Mound, a 15-year-old home schooled freshman from Blue Mound, for her short story recounting the Moweaqua coal mine disaster of 1932.

Third prize of $100 went to Amanda Burress, a 17-year-old senior at Rochester High School, for her essay about her grandfather's gift of a tire swing.

Honorable Mentions were awarded to Rebekah Warner, a 14 year-old freshman at Monticello High School, and Travis Cheatham and Stephanie Kilburn, both 17-yearold seniors at Rochester High School.

We are particularly appreciative of the work of high school teachers who mentored and encouraged these students and in some cases included the contest within their coursework.