Towson, MD — (April 2, 2025) The Eastern Shore Literacy Association (ESLA) proudly announces that ten outstanding students from the Lower Eastern Shore were recognized as state finalists in the prestigious Young Authors Contest, honored this week at the State of Maryland Literacy Conference. Held in Towson, the annual event welcomed more than 225 students, parents, educators, and administrators from across the state to celebrate excellence in student writing.

Each year, the Young Authors Contest provides Maryland students in grades 2–12 the opportunity to showcase their talents in poetry and short story writing. Finalists from the Eastern Shore demonstrated exceptional creativity, originality, and literary merit across both categories.

The 2025 ESLA State Finalists include:

• Siraj Yasir, Grade 3, North Salisbury Elementary – 1st Place, Poetry
• Charlize Damouni, Grade 5, Worcester Preparatory – 2nd Place, Poetry
• Elias Baldridge, Grade 8, Stephen Decatur Middle – 2nd Place, Short Story
• Lily Copeland, Grade 9, Stephen Decatur High – 2nd Place, Poetry
• Angela Quan, Grade 9, James M. Bennett High – 1st Place, Short Story
• Breanna McCray, Grade 10, Stephen Decatur High – 2nd Place, Poetry
• Seryna Weaver, Grade 10, Snow Hill High – 1st Place, Short Story
• Savannah Wertz, Grade 11, Snow Hill High – Finalist, Short Story
• Ziann Franklin, Grade 12, Pocomoke High – 2nd Place, Poetry
• Daniel LeCates, Grade 12, The Salisbury School – 2nd Place, Short Story

Brian Cook, State Chairperson for the Young Authors Contest, praised the winners during the conference ceremony, stating, “These young writers are proof that the future of literacy and creativity in Maryland is bright. The dedication shown by students, teachers, and families on the Eastern Shore is truly inspiring. It is always a privilege to recognize their talent on a statewide stage.”

The Eastern Shore Literacy Association extends its heartfelt congratulations to each of these remarkable students and their schools. Their achievements underscore the power of storytelling and the vital role literacy plays in education and self-expression.

To read the published works of this year’s state finalists, the full 2025 Young Authors Anthology is available on the State of Maryland Literacy Association website:
🔗 https://www.somla.online/uploads/3/7/4/4/37447199/somla_ya_anthology_2025.pdf