Two Waterville Central School District third grade students have recently been named winners in the Royal Historian of Oz Writing Contest.
Photo Caption (left to right): Mr. Perrone, Elora Jones, and Kinsley Abbe
The contest, held in celebration of “The Wizard of Oz,” invites participants to craft original stories using L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters or invent their own additions to the Oz universe. Entries are divided into six age categories, with Kinsley Abbe and Elora Jones earning top honors in the third grade division.
This marks the third consecutive year that a Waterville student has won the contest, a testament to the district’s commitment to fostering creativity and literary excellence.
“We are beyond proud of Kinsley and Elora for this incredible accomplishment,” said third grade teacher Jeremy Perrone. “Their hard work, imagination, and love for storytelling truly shine in their winning entries. This is a tremendous achievement, and we celebrate their success. Way to make MPS proud!”
This annual competition, hosted by the International L. Frank Baum & All Things Oz Historical Foundation, honors young writers who creatively expand upon the legendary Land of Oz.
Kinsley and Elora were recognized on June 8 during the renowned Oz-Stravaganza! festival in Chittenango—birthplace of “The Wizard of Oz” author. Baum, who wrote “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and 13 sequels, inspired generations of readers with his imaginative storytelling, and this competition continues his legacy by encouraging young minds to create new Oz adventures.
Read the winning stories, ‘Wicked Turns Good’ and ‘Toto Wants a Voice’.