Thirty child authors won awards in a writing contest at the Community United Methodist Church on June 25. Writers submitted short stories while they attended Vacation Bible School, an annual half-day camp for grades K-6.

Messina Holverson was the grand prize winner. Phoebe Schultze was honored for writing about the camp motto when her short story said, "God is my Go To person." The following were chosen as the top in their grade level:

Kindergarten: Jack and Bodie Stafford - Most Insightful story

1st Grade: Kylie Stone - Most Empathetic story

2nd: Talyn Uemoto - Most Imaginative story

3rd: Malachi Witherwood - Most Clever story

4th: Messina Holverson - Most Ambitious story

5th: Audrey Duncan - Most Perceptive story

6th: Michaela Avants - Most Journalistic story

Tammy Kelly, the church's youth coordinator, worked with local author Wendy Snodgrass to host the contest in an effort to give back to the community while gaining exposure for her recently published children's book, "Barrett's Bears: The Construction Story." It is the first book of the educational Barrett's Bears series.

Information: 765-8800 and www.BarrettsBears.com.