The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ECOESC) held day one of the Young Authors & Illustrators Conference and Competition hosted by ​​Kent State University Tuscarawas on October 22. The event was open to fifth and ninth graders in school districts in Tuscarawas and Guernsey Counties. Schools in attendance at the event include New Philadelphia City Schools, Dover City Schools, Claymont City Schools, East Guernsey Local Schools, and Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools.  

The event was a kickstart to help students begin creating an 8-10 page story with illustrations to submit to a panel of judges in January. Students were separated into groups based on their age and explored different workshops to help them create stories and illustrations. “One of my favorite things about the Young Authors and Young Illustrators conference is watching the students get to collaborate with each other,” said Sarah Spies, ECOESC programming and communications coordinator. 

Guest speakers included local artist Greg Scott and published authors Michael Salinger and Sara Holbrook who hosted workshops about basic writing and illustrating skills. Students were encouraged to discuss their ideas in a group setting and collaborate with partners to develop their stories. 

“These students might come into the day with an idea, but it really flourishes when they collaborate with their partners and figure out the story they want to tell together,” said Spies.

The second day of the conference will be on February 25, 2022, where each submitted story will be read and awards will be presented in several categories including best collaboration, best story and best illustration for each grade. This annual conference is hosted by the East Central Ohio ESC as part of their student programming efforts.