When her teacher suggested she enter a national writing contest, JPS student Sofia Diekevers fully immersed herself in fantasy movies and subsequently delivered a four-page story that caught the attention of judges all the way in Southern California.
“I whipped it together over the weekend,” she said about the writing process last fall. “I was really excited about ‘Wicked’ and I was watching ‘Hocus Pocus’.”
Those movies inspired Diekevers to pen ‘Haywire’, a wild tale about a girl named Eve attending a Halloween party with her cat, Ruby, who had magically turned into a human. After feedback from her teacher, Kari Reynolds, she made some edits and Reynolds submitted the story to the third annual Kids Original Program competition.
Weeks later, the sixth grader at Rosewood Elementary learned she had received an honorable mention in the contest. Reynolds hugged her and they shared the news with her class, which responded with huge applause.
“It was really cool and I got a lot of attention,” Diekevers said with a smile.
The Kids Original Program competition was created by California-based Author Alane Adams to encourage creativity in US-based students grades fourth through eighth grade.
The honor provided a $250 grant for Rosewood Elementary’s library. Diekevers said she recently had the privilege to work with JPS Library Director Becky Buck to purchase new fantasy books and spy books for her classmates to enjoy.
As she shared her story in the library this week, staff dropped by to encourage her, mentioning the award was well-deserved.
“You are so smart and such a good writer,” one Rosewood teacher said as they walked by.
Reynolds said she is glad Diekevers was willing to enter the contest because her writing is superb.
“Sofia’s writing pieces are always thoughtful and thought-provoking,” she said. “She has a different writing voice that draws readers in and makes readers want to continue reading. This piece is no different.”
The following is an excerpt from ‘Haywire’:
Eve carefully adjusted her hat and observed how she looked, not the disguise. Eve was surprised to see that she looked decent, elegant, beautiful even. She twirled around in her dress, letting herself be in the moment, instead of trying to be six steps ahead into the future. “Are you in there? We have to get to the party soon, I don’t want to be late.” Ruby pounded on the door ferociously. Eve kept her calm and put her makeup on while Ruby pouted. “My dear Ruby, one thing I didn’t teach you about humans is that nobody gets to the party at the time it starts, you're either late or early.
Rosewood Elementary Principal Luke Verbeek said he is thrilled about the award and shared the news during an all-staff meeting.
"Sofia's passion for reading and writing, combined with her talent and hard work, make me so proud as her principal,” Verbeek said. “It's exciting to see her being recognized and I can't wait to see the amazing things she will accomplish someday!"