After the school year ended and the relaxed pace of summer break was beginning to become routine, Gardner Newman middle school student Elly Brown received a reminder that her hard work continues to pay off. 

This is not the first time Brown’s writing has earned recognition.  In 2007, when Brown was a student at Ethel Kight Magnet School, she was named the system level Young Georgia Authors winner for fifth grade.

“I have always loved to write,” said Brown.  “Janice Ussery, my sixth grade language arts teacher taught me, when it comes to writing, never to be afraid to take risks and try new things.”

That philosophy paid off as Brown’s work of fiction, “The Feelings of Jeremy Wiles,” explores the concept of being different.  “None of us are the same,” said Brown.  “I was inspired to write this piece because I believe that just because a person is different doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be treated differently.”

The Young Georgia Authors competition, sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education, was established to encourage and celebrate student writing of all genres.  Each school system in the state may submit one entry per grade level.  As a state winner, Brown, along with her parents and representatives from her school, are invited to the October state board of education meeting in Atlanta to be recognized by State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox.