The winners of the Elizabeth Bishop Centenary Writing Competition were announced at the Annual General Meeting of the Elizabeth Bishop Society of Nova Scotia in Great Village, N. S. on Saturday, June18th. This was a writing competition based on Elizabeth Bishop’s prose story entitled “In The Village”. People were asked to listen to or read “In The Village” and to write their own story about their sense of place and what has helped make them who they are. Over one hundred individuals entered the competition.
In the Grades 4-6 category the winners were; First place- Dakota Warren (Neil’s Harbour, N.S); Second place- Maria Duynsiveld (Wallace, N.S.); Third place- Lauren Kruisselbrink (Kentville, N.S.); Honorable mention- Ryan Spencer (Gt. Village, N.S.)
In the Grades 7-9 category the winner were; First place- Elizabeth Schofield (Shubenacadie, N.S.); Honorable mention- Ryan Atkinson (Centre Burlington, N.S.)
In the Grades 10-12 category; First place- Aaron Holland (Bridgetown, N.S.; Second place- Tiffany Vincent ( Cornerbrook, Nfld); Third place- Morgan Illsey (Bridgetown, N.S.); Honorable mention- Chris Creen (Bridgetown, N.S.)
In the Post Secondary category the winner was an Honorable mention - Sarah Giragosian (Albany , New York)
In the Adult category the winners were; First place- Moya Pacey (Garran, Australia); Second place- Mary Jo Anderson (Banaff, Alberta); Third place-Anne Pollett (Granville Ferry, N.S.): Honorable mention- Mary Verna Feehan (Providence, Rhode island.
The writers will have the opportunity to read their works and accept their prizes at the Elizabeth Bishop Centenary Arts Festival to be held in Great Village August 19th.
Congratulations One and All!!!
Part of the mission of the Elizabeth Bishop Society of Nova Scotia is to educate Nova Scotians and the world about Elizabeth Bishop’s deep and abiding connection to the province. As the EBSNS Board discussed what it might do to mark the Elizabeth Bishop Centenary in 2011, what sort of events or activities it could sponsor which would both honour Bishop and reflect this mission, a writing competition and a writers’ festival emerged as ideal choices.
Throughout 2011 and across Nova Scotia, artists of many disciplines (writers, musicians, painters, composers, photographers, filmmakers, publishers, etc.) will be engaged in many projects, events and activities, to celebrate Elizabeth Bishop’s 100th birthday. One of the principle intentions behind celebrating this important anniversary is to encourage these artists to create new work inspired by her life and art, which will reflect her continuing relevance and influence.
It was in Great Village, N.S., where Elizabeth Bishop learned to read and write, where she had her first formal pedagogical experience. The EBSNS felt that a writing competition focused on Nova Scotia elementary, junior and senior high school students was a good way not only to introduce young readers to Bishop’s work, but also to foster creativity and writing skills.
Moreover, it will produce a tangible legacy, the most obvious product of which will be a publication of winners of the competition.
"In the Village" ~ streaming audio
"In the Village" as read by Claire Miller and recorded by Carl Anderson.
Claire Miller has been telling stories professionally for over 20 years. She has told them throughout the Maritimes, in schools and libraries, in intimate living rooms and on the concert stage. Claire is also one of the voices of Nova Scotia’s well-known and beloved all women’s choir, the Aeolian Singers.
Carl Anderson is a retired oceanographer whose mother was twelve days younger than Elizabeth Bishop.
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