Norfolk Literary Prize recognizes its 2024 winners

The 2024 Norfolk Literary Prize awards were presented Nov. 1 at the St. Williams Community Centre. From left are award winners, organizers and dignitaries (front) Belinda Smith, Kim Earls, Jean Mottashed, Matt LeBlanc, Mayor Amy Martin, (back row) Madison Banks, Rhys McMaster, Ilse Tozer, Aurora Tozer, Taylor Mannen and Julie Kent. 

Chris Abbott

Editor

The annual Norfolk Literary Prize awards ceremony was held Friday, Nov. 1 at the St. Williams Community Centre.

“Tonight, we recognize more than just literary achievement, we celebrate the transformative power of the written word,” said Julie Kent, Norfolk Count Public Library CEO. “Each of you who submitted to the Norfolk Literary Prize has taken a courageous step. You have channeled your thoughts, experiences, and creativity into stories and poems that not only reveal something about yourselves, but also offer all of us new perspectives, new emotions, and new dreams. Congratulations to each and every one of tonight’s award recipients and entrants.”

“This year submissions came in from 52 writers, contributing 100 pieces of work,” said Mayor Martin, “with ages ranging from 9-90.

“Keep writing,” said Martin, giving her closing advice. “Whether you win an award or you simply enjoy creating stories, writing is a skill that will serve you for the rest of your life. It keeps your mind sharp, it expands your vocabulary, and it can contribute to making you feel more grateful. Whether you draw influence from a modern-day influence like Taylor Swift, a Tortured Poet, or something classical like Emily Dickinson or maybe something dark from Edgar Allan Poe, whatever it is, I encourage you to continue to write, share your craft, and make your mark on our community.”

The 2024 Laureate Award went to Jennifer Gedye.

Children’s Short Story: 1. Ilse Tozer, 2. Aurora Tozer; 3. Brynn Gascoigne.

Children’s Poetry: 1. Aurora Tozer; 2. Rhys McMaster; 3. Ilse Tozer.

Youth Short Story: 1. Gregory Martin; 2. Taylor Mannen; 3. Cloey Starks.

Youth Poetry: 1. Isabella Nydam; 2. Taylor Mannen; 3. Gregory Martin.

Adult Short Story: 1. Madison Banks; 2. Matt LeBlanc; 3. Sandra Venzke.

Adult Poetry: 1. Thomas Judd; 2. Robert Cormack; 3. Jean Mottashed