Menifee 24/7~Arts Council Menifee Writing Contest Winners

Gayle DuRivage, Doug Spoon, and Shirley Wible reviewed
over 100 entries.

The winners of the Children's Essay/Poetry Contest that was held in the month of April were announced Thursday. The judges, Gayle DuRivage of Painted Earth, Shirley Wible of Sun City Library, and Doug Spoon of Menifee 24/7, read just over 100 entries from students Kindergarten through 8th grade. The entries were collected from various locations; by mail, by email and through three drop-off locations throughout the city.

The winners are:

K-2 grade - Abbey D. Chea
3-5 grade - Daniel Diaz
6-8 grade - Jonathan Hoefler
Special Recognition goes to Jemena Nesbitt for her essay, which the judges felt encompassed the essence of the contest, "What I Like About Menifee".

The winners will attend the Menifee City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 15 at 7pm to receive certificates from the City Council on behalf of the City of Menifee. They will also be reading their prize-winning essays that evening, as well as at the Arts Council Menifee Showcase on Saturday, May 19 held at Countryside Marketplace.

Each winner will receive a prize package valued at over $175 each. Last but certainly not least, the winners will be enjoying lunch with the Mayor of Menifee John Denver at Breakfast Club of Menifee in June.

All participants of the contest will be receiving a certificate of appreciation from the City of Menifee, as well as a "Free Crispy Taco" Gift Certificate from Provecho Grill. The participant's certificates will be available for pick-up at the Arts Council Booth at the Arts Council Menifee Showcase next Saturday.