By Tom Rohrer
A toddler scribble today may earn her awards at age 15. What began, for many middle and high school students in North Thurston Public Schools, as a simple hobby has turned into an accomplished passion. And, on Wednesday, March 13 student authors and illustrators of graphic novels were honored for their creativity.
Some of the brightest and most talented artistic minds in the area were honored for their excellence in the Graphic Novel Contest sponsored by the Lacey Loves to Read member organizations including the Timberland Regional Library, North Thurston Public Schools and the City of Lacey.
The first year contest held its award ceremony at Olympic Cards and Comics in Lacey on Wednesday, March 13, with five of the six honorees in attendance. Within two age groups (12-14 and 15-18), a winner, runner-up and third place finisher were selected.
Claudia McHendry, a ninth grader at Oakland Bay Junior High School took home first place in the 12-14 age group for her project ‘End of Young’, while River Ridge High School ninth grader Vanessa Bronner earned first prize in the 15-18 division for ‘Waiting for the Package’.
Tristan Longoria (‘New Dawn’) and Deborah Garrison (‘Anxious) took second and third in the 15-18 group while Vance Knight (‘Thursday) and Ariane Cortez (‘Revenge is Sweet’) took home the same respective honors in the younger division.
Earning first place was an exciting honor for both McHendry and Bronner.
“It’s very exciting to know there is something I’m doing proactively,” said McHendry, who estimated she spent around 48 combined hours on her project. “I’m not just an internet nerd sitting at my computer all day. I’m working, and I will continue to keep working.”
“Obviously it’s something I worked hard on,” said Bronner, who got inspiration for her submission through listening to music. “When I first found out, I was very excited and inspired.”
The contest was the idea of Holly Paxson, the Lacey branch manager of the Timberland Regional Library. It coincided perfectly with the visit by graphic novelist Jennifer L. Holm, who was featured author for the tenth anniversary of the Lacey Loves to Read Program. Holm has produced graphic novels ‘Babymouse’ and ‘Squish’.
Paxson was pleased with the quality of work submitted in the first year of the contest, and thinks it has the potential to grow in the future.
“What blew me away was the overall quality of work that we received. It was very impressive top-to-bottom, and that was amazing considering it’s the first year we’re doing this,” Paxson said. “I think it’s going to see more and more participation in the future once the word gets out.”
Paxson noted a few changes that will be made for the 2014 contest, which will be the shift from age groups to grade divisions, and permitting team productions where one writer and one artist can submit an entry together.
Olympic Cards and Comics was the perfect location for the ceremony. The locally owned store stocks an extensive graphic novel section, amongst a huge selection of collectibles and other items. Even more appropriate was the appearance of featured guest speaker Eric Trautmann, an accomplished comic book writer, editor and graphic designer. Tratumann is the husband of Olympic Cards and Comics owner Gabi Shephard.
Eric Trautmann spoke about his career and discussed the dialogue he has written for video games such as Halo and Perfect Dark. He also talked about his writing for DC Comics (‘Checkmate’ and ‘Final Crisis: Resist’ are among his published work), and answered questions from both the audience and the honored contestants.
“Writers write,” Trautmann told the panel. “We’re compelled to….and you are already on the right path.”
Gabi Shephard was also impressed with the quality of work in the contest, and appreciative of her husband’s presentation.
“I always enjoy listening to him speak and I know the (contestants) really enjoyed that aspect,” Shephard said.
“The quality of work was very impressive and you can tell these kids have a lot of talent and passion,” Shephard continued. “With whatever you choose to do in life, having passion and heart is the most important thing. These kids are really on the right path, and I’m just happy that I could be a part of such a cool event that supports the community and brings it together in a positive fashion.”
Following a question and answer period for the contestants, the five teenage artist signed copies and covers of their submissions. As the grand prize winners, McHendry and Bronner each received 100 print copies of their work, while the second and third place finishers obtained printed copies of their cover art.
The attention of the signing was a cool experience for the winners.
“It makes me feel really special,” Bronner said with a smile as she signed copies for those in attendance. “This is so cool.”
“It’s so exciting. My heart is pounding and pounding in my chest, and it’s just crazy to think I’m here doing this,” McHendry said.
For more information on the Lacey Loves to Read Program, click here. Each graphic novel submission can be viewed here.
A complete story about Olympic Cards and Comics can be seen here. You can also learn more about the store by visiting their website or Facebook page.
Olympic Cards and Comics
4230 Pacific Ave SE
Lacey, WA 98503
360.459.7721
