Thousands show love for language

Many of the participants were back for their third and fourth years.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- "Writers are made, not born. It's just something you get better at by doing it."
With those words of advice, author Will Hobbs, a guest lecturer at the annual Youngstown State University English Festival, launched into the story of his life, explaining how his interest in reading led to the development of his interest in writing.
Hobbs, a former schoolteacher who has written a number of award-winning books for young readers, is the festival's Thomas and Carol Gay Memorial Lecturer.
Approximately 3,000 pupils from more than 150 middle and high schools are taking part in the 28th annual festival, which runs through Friday.
The participants compete individually and in groups in various writing, poetry and other events.
"My favorite part is the language games," said Alexis Floyd, a 10th-grader at Youngstown Early College, as she and a couple of her Early College peers sat waiting to hear Hobbs speak.
"I just like being here and meeting new people," she said.
"I like the writing games," said Meysha Harville, also a 10th-grader at Early College.
"I like the journalism workshop," added Stacie Rodriguez, another Early College 10th-grader.
All three young women said this is their fourth English Festival and they would encourage others to participate as well.
Requirements
Participants must read at least seven books on the festival reading list and pass a test on each of those books before they can get an invitation to the event.
Esther Thomas, a sophomore from Lordstown, was attending the festival for the first time.
"I'm enjoying it. This year just had more interesting authors and books," she said, explaining why she hadn't sought to attend in the past.
She got an opportunity to interview and write a report on Hobbs during Wednesday morning's competitions.
Chelsie McCall, a Crestview junior, said this is her second festival. She attended the first one when she was in the eighth grade but didn't choose to return until this year.
"I just like reading all the books," she said, adding, "I was just really busy," as her explanation for why she hadn't been back since the eighth grade.
Different activities
Most of her Wednesday morning was taken up with writing games and a poetry workshop.
"We have such a great time here," said Bob Kellar, a Lordstown sophomore, back for his third festival.
"There are so many different things to do. There's just something for everyone," he said.
Heather Wickline, also a Lordstown sophomore back for her third festival, agreed.
She said she follows a different schedule of activities each time she comes back.
Both she and Kellar said they plan to return next year.
There are lectures, impromptu writing contests prose and journalism workshops, writing labs and even a "Not-So-Trivial Pursuit" contest.
Each day of the event ends with an awards ceremony recognizing the day's best achievements.
gwin@vindy.com