Local kids win scholarships

Young writers from North Idaho were recently declared winners of the Idaho PTV PBS KIDS Writers Contest and awarded a $100 contribution to an IDeal — Idaho 529 College Savings account.

The annual contest encourages children from kindergarten through third grade to write a story that includes original illustrations. IDeal — Idaho’s 529 College Saving Program co-sponsors the contest and awards winners with seed money to start saving for their higher education in a tax-advantaged way.

“An IDeal account can help these talented, young writers use their skills in post-secondary education in the future,” said Christie Stoll, executive director of IDeal. “We’re investing in their future education and can’t wait to see how it pays off for our state. These young Idahoans are going to do great things, and IDeal is excited to be a part of it.”

There were 315 submissions from around Idaho.

"A few of them made me laugh until I cried,” said Katheryn Astle, IdahoPTV community education specialist. “Some of the writers drew from real-life experiences, others dreamed up imaginative adventures, and they all added wonderful illustrations."

Local winners of the PBS Kids Writers Contest include:

Delilah Hinkins, kindergarten, Nez Perce

Kortnee Meacham, 1st grade, Nez Perce

Alex White, 1st grade, CDA

Joshua Johnson, 1st grade, Hayden

Cambria Hinkins, 2nd grade, CDA

Mary Cole, 2nd grade, Rathdrum

Emika Hinkins, 3rd gradeDelilah Hinkins, Kindergarten - CDA