Although reading and writing are required components of the curriculum at every school in Chilton County, Clanton Intermediate students took their reading and writing lessons a step further for the Young Authors Conference on May 17.

Every year, third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students at CIS write stories and produce illustrations for a chance to win a Young Authors Conference award.

Judges not affiliated with CIS choose entries for first, second and third place awards in Best Story and Best Illustrations categories for each grade.

“They write and illustrate their own book,” CIS librarian Donna McCary said. “The children learn a lot about the process of writing and getting books published.”

Students are also treated to visits from guest authors and illustrators as part of the conference.

This year, author Eddie Bowman (also known as “Chester Drawers”) talked to students about the importance of writing, character values and sang songs with them.

McCary said students were able to learn Chester Drawers’ songs and listen to his books being read at school to prepare for his visit.

Illustrator Michael White talked to students and led them in drawing activities.

The following 18 students received 2013 Young Authors Conference awards:

Fifth grade, best story

•Jason (Jackie) Shi, first place

•Grace Nolen, second place

•Cage Phillips, third place

Fifth grade, best illustrations

•Anna Reid, first place

•Justice Duke, second place

•Allasandra Hine, third place

Fourth grade, best story

•Haley Majors, first place

•Bryan Cortes, second place

•Reagan Parrott, third place

Fourth grade, best illustrations

•Laken Flowers, first place

•Maddie Frederick, second place

•Alleah Stringer, third place

Third grade, best story

•Cameron McGhar, first place

•Kaylee Carlee, second place

•Charlotte Blencowe, third place

Third grade, best illustrations

•Cameron McGhar, first place

•Jadyn Kurdziel, second place

•Emma Claire Deason, third place