Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Minnetonka / Excelsior / Eden Prairie Sun Sailor Entry Title: Excelsior Elementary student battles brain cancer Entry Credit: Natalie Cierzan Judge Comment: What a heartbreaking story, and I can't imagine how difficult it was to interview the family and then write the story. The writer did an outstanding, sensitive and compassionate job in covering this. My prayers are with the family.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Elk River - Star News Entry Title: Soul Mate: Orono Cemetery cat lived double life as family pet, comforter to countless Entry Credit: Jim Boyle Judge Comment: The comfort and joy that this one cat brought to those who were grieving is amazing! My cat only pays attention to me when it wants something. This cat seemed to know that it had a much higher purpose, and made itself available, touching many lives. Such a great story.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Sartell-St. Stephen Newsleader Entry Title: After half a century, gnome comes home Entry Credit: Dennis Dalman Judge Comment: Being one who puts up a huge Christmas display that is made up of many treasured decorations, I could totally relate to this story. I have items that I would be devastated to lose. How amazing and wonderful that this family was able to have their treasured decoration back.
Competition Comment: Picking winners is such a difficult task. After reading through the stories, there were so many that I wish could be given first place. Minnesota has some amazing writers, and I feel that I have learned much that will make me a better writer from reading them.
