Today was the final day of the Young Writers’ Workshop and we had a blast! From the scavenger hunt to the final reading, the day was filled with good vibes, energy, and excitement.
To start the day, the young writers pondered the question: What was your favorite part of the week? With an overwhelming number of responses, poetry day seemed to win over our young writers, but other things they enjoyed included bookmaking and, with multiple responses, “everything!”
Next, the young writers engaged in the annual Young Writers’ Workshop scavenger hunt around K-State’s campus! Working in their three groups, the young writers deciphered clues to find nine different statues or locations around campus. Some clues included: “You think Willie always looks the same? / But this one looks ready for the game!” and “Staring up at it may have you reeling. / This glass sculpture hangs from the ceiling.” Coming in first was D.W.S (Different Writer’s Society), with The Amber Dragons close on their tail!
Once the young writers cooled down from their adventures outside, they began their preparations for the final reading this afternoon. Traci modeled a bad reading for our young writers while Totty modeled a good reading. The young writers then began practicing for their own reading. The young writers have created amazing pieces of work, and they are ready to share them.
Then, the young writers enjoyed lunch and their final rounds of “High School Mafia: Platypi Posers.” We all are certainly sad to see the 1992 Palm Springs swim team graduate and move on to bigger and more exciting things! Throughout the week, the young writers have expanded a simple game of Mafia into an entire world with shocking injury descriptions, imaginative alibis, and original twists. If this game doesn’t showcase their creativity and talent, I don’t know what does!
As the time for the final reading neared, the young writers buzzed with excitement. The young writers bravely shared their work for their friends, family, and instructors, and were met with an outstanding applause! The young writers received their certificates of completion and celebrated their accomplishments.
The week has flown by too quickly! We are sad to see our young writers go, but we are excited for their bright futures, full of potential. Our young writers made every day one to look forward to with their dedication, focus, creativity, and willingness to embrace the unknown. The 2023 Young Writers’ Workshop is one for the books!
Thank you so much for reading our daily blog posts and keeping track of all the fun we’ve been having this week. We hope you’ll stay tuned next year for the 2024 Young Writers’ Workshop!
— Jordan Dombrowski, Program Assistant
K-State Young Writers' Workshop 