Our Congratulations to Diana Shypovych, an International Competition Winner!

Diana Shypovych, a student at Cherkasy First City Gymnasia, has been named an international winner in the Write On! creative writing competition. Diana was awarded second place among eighth graders for her story “Taste Talks.” Her story was selected from submissions representing 13 countries around the world. “We’re thrilled that Diana’s story got the recognition it deserves,” said Sonia Scherr, who hosted the local Write On! competition at FCG. “It’s a terrific story that exemplifies what Write On! is all about: creativity and imagination.”

Diana’s story advanced to the international level after winning first place at the national, oblast and local levels. For Diana, the story is about “real friendship and dedication to work.” It features a baker whose ingredients talk to him and help him invent delicious recipes ... until a mistake changes his life. Like the baker in her story, Diana enjoys making desserts. Her other hobbies include doing calisthenics, drawing and reading books, including the works ofArthur Conan Doyle and J.K. Rowling.

The annual Write On! contest, which is organized by Peace Corps Volunteers, provides an opportunity for non-native speakers to practice their English outside the classroom. Of the 41 sixth through 11 th  formers who participated in the Write On! competition at FCG, 14 won local awards for their work. Their stories have been published in a book, compiled by Sonia and FCG Vice Principal Nadiya Ananieva, that examines the role of creative writing in teaching English as a foreign language.