Children’s author Alan St. Jean visited the school over the course of a week and worked with the students to craft a story. From brainstorming creative ideas to drawing the book illustrations, St. Jean encouraged the kids to think outside the box and create a compelling storyline.

The Writing Olympics is a creative event that enhances a students’ writing skills, as well as their collaboration skills.

At the end of the week, when all of the stories were finished, they were put to the test in front of a panel of judges consisting of Liberty-Curtin Principal, Brett Umbenhouer, Keystone Central School District Superintendent Dr. Francis Redmon, Magisterial District Judge Heidi Wright and Express Correspondent Breanna Hanley.

“It’s a great opportunity for the kids to get to work with a children’s author,” said Umbenhouer, “He does an amazing job of taking their thoughts and bringing them to life right in front of their eyes. It’s kind of like a magical experience for the kids to see.”

PHOTO PROVIDED Magisterial District Judge Heidi Wright, left, and Express Correspondent Breanna Hanley were among the panel of guest judges for the event.

The children were given full creative control over the story, from the characters and conflicts to the illustration and design process.

The older students worked with St. Jean to actually publish a book that will be released around February or March.

St. Jean has previously released a book with Woodward Elementary students titled, “A Cactus Attacked Us” using the same process.

PHOTO PROVIDED The gymnasium at Liberty-Curtin Elementary was packed for the Writing Olympics.