Congratulations to Lexi Welch, Andrew Short, and Olivia Keene for winning first, second, and third place in the 17th annual Eastern Shore Regional Poetry Contest, sponsored by the arts councils of Cecil, Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s County Arts Council, and Talbot counties.

As the winners, Lexi, Andrew, and Olivia were invited to read their poems at the awards presentation at Church Hill Theatre on April 25. This year’s judge was Meredith Davies Hadaway, who is no stranger to Gunston. Hadaway has been a frequent contributor to our In Celebration of Books Festival and is the author of two books of poetry, Fishing Secrets of the Dead and The River is a Reason. The contest was a “blind” reading, so Ms. Hadaway did not know she was reading work by Gunston students.

In addition, Lexi, Andrew, and Olivia represent Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties. Congratulations to them on such fine work!

In photo: Meredith Hadaway, Lexi Welch, Olivia Keene, Andrew Short