This just in from Words & Music 2007 faculty member Deborah LeBlanc:

Dear Friends,
I’m thrilled to announce the winners of the 2008–2009 Literacy Challenge and National Writing Challenge! We had a phenomenal number of participants this year, and out of the top quiz scores on the Literacy Challenge, the judges had a very difficult time scoring the essays because so many of them were spectacular! But the cream did rise to the top. Congratulations go to all the participants, however. Some of you may not have won a prize this year, but you stepped up and took the Challenge, and stepping up to any occasion and opportunity ALWAYS makes you a winner! :) )
Now, without further ado, I’d like to present the winners!!

2008-2009 LITERACY CHALLENGE WINNERS

GRAND PRIZE WINNER $5000:
Shane Papillion (17 yrs. Old)- Pittsburg Pa

2ND PLACE WINNER: (Desktop computer)
Louis Valmore–  Tacoma, Wa

3rd PLACE WINNER: $175 Bookstore Gift Certificate
Linda Swofford (15 yrs old) Houston, Tx

4th PLACE WINNER: $100 Bookstore Gift Certificate
Jody Dabon- (18 yrs old) Detroit Michigan

5th PLACE WINNER: $50 Bookstore Gift Certficate
Carrey  Hamil–  Louisville, Ky

6th PLACE WINNER: $25 Bookstore Gift Certificate
Ruby Gustave –Baton Rouge, La

7th PLACE WINNER: $25 Bookstore Gift Certificate
Anne  Hager–  Pensacola Florida

8th PLACE WINNER: $25 Bookstore Gift Certificate
Evelyn Teshi    Little Rock, Arkansas

9th PLACE WINNER: $25 Bookstore Gift Certificate
Jessie Franks–  (14 yrs old) New Orleans, La

10th PLACE WINNER: $25 Bookstore Gift Certificate
Amador Savilas – Valdosta, Ga.

2008-2009 TOP THREE WINNERS COMMENTS

“Dear Ms. Leblanc,
I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity you gave me with the challenge. I still can’t believe I WON!! WOOHOO!!! Thank you so much! This money will sooo help with school!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!”
(Shane Papillion (17 yrs. Old)- Pittsburg Pa

“Deborah,
Your call was just what I needed on an otherwise dreadful Friday morning. You have no idea the ray of sunlight you’ve brought into my life. Thank you for that, and thank you for giving so many people hope with your literacy challenge. May God richly bless you.”
Louis Valmore -Tacoma, Wa.

“Wow!! I can’t believe I won third place! You’re the best Ms. Leblanc, thank you!! I can’t wait to use my gift certificate and order more books! $175–WOW!!!!”
Linda Swofford (15 yrs old) Houston, Tx.

2008-2009 NATIONAL WRITING CHALLENGE WINNERS
Literacy Inc.’s National Writing Challenge is designed to encourage students between the ages of 13 and 19 to practice and develop their writing skills. According to the National Endowment for the Arts Executive Summary, To Read or Not to Read: A Question of National Consequence, 81% of employers rate job entrants as deficient in written communication. Our Writing Challenge is designed to encourage students to write by merging excitement with writing through concrete, valuable incentives. The prizes in the Writing Challenge include:
$1000 in cash for first place; $250 book store gift certificate for second place; $200 book store gift certificate for third place; $150 book store gift certificate for fourth place; $100 book store gift certificate to fifth place
And the winners of the 2008-2009 National Writing Challenge are:
1st Place – Thomas Gifford -(14 yrs old)  Shreveport, La.
2nd Place–Marissa Newfounder (16 yrs old) Wichita, Ks.
3rd Place–Kyle Useman – Salt Lake City, Ut.
4th Place–  Kevin Mathews–Kansas City, Mo.
5th Place–  Alicia Rhodes – Atlanta, Georgia

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!
News about the new Literacy Challenge and National Writing Challenge for 2009-2010 will be coming soon, so keep an eye on the website at www.theleblancchallenge.com! Congratulations again to all!! — Deborah