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Katikati College Success Stories

Lisa Sushames —

Congratulations to Phoebe Robertson (Year 13, right) and Nicole Blake (Year 10, left) who are both prize recipients in this year's Young NZ Writers - Write Off Line Secondary School Writing Competition

Phoebe won 1st place in the secondary school prose section with her short story, "The Tui" and Nicole's short story, "Never Trust a Stranger" was awarded 3rd place in the same category. These two talented young writers have had their stories published in the Write Off Line: 'Something Strange' anthology of secondary school writing, which was released on Friday May 31.

The judge, Laura VanArendonk Baugh, described Phoebe’s story as “a great teaser of a piece”, commending Phoebe’s use of a “deceptively calm” first-person narrative that allows readers to read between the lines and detect the danger of the tui’s situation. Nicole’s writing was praised for its “vivid descriptions” and the creation of a character whom readers can readily pity and empathise with. The judge also appreciated the positive message conveyed at the end of Nicole’s story.