The graphic short story contest highlights the talents of students, specifically their writing and artistic skills. The contest is held in the spring by the Wordsmiths of Berlin and the BHS art department to encourage creativity in students, like freshman Ewan Steffen who won first and sophomore Patrick Brown who placed in second.
“As with all of our contests, this was a student-generated idea to showcase some of the artists/storytellers who might not otherwise have a venue to be recognized for their talents,” Wordsmiths Adviser Andrew Reise said.
Those participating needed to create a short story illustrated by themselves or with a partner. The artwork is the key component, but storytelling is also a great way to enhance their submissions.
“Any Berlin High School student or student pair can create an original short story in 10 to 80 comic-book-style frames. Artwork should dominate the storytelling, but the artists are encouraged to include captions and word or thought bubbles to help enhance the storytelling,” Reise said.
The contest is judged by Reise, art teacher Lori Rademann, and library media specialist Sarah Gumtow. The three work together to judge the skill and story-telling of submissions.
“This might be the third year that I have been involved with the graphic short story contest,” Rademann said.
Contest winners received monetary prizes from the Wordsmiths. Steffen received $45 in first place, and Brown received $25 in second.
“Winners of the contest receive cash prizes and the chance to have their graphic stories published in The Red ‘n’ Green,” Reise said.
Short stories allow students to get imaginative, coming up with new ideas and thoughts. Sophomore Patrick Brown created a story about a world where characters have to roll a die during every encounter, similar to the board game Dungeons & Dragons.
“My short story was about a person walking along, enjoying their day, fighting a cat. This is in a magical world where you have to roll everything like it’s Dungeons & Dragons,” Brown said. “They rolled a zero, and the cat ran away. The cat waved goodbye at the end.”
There were only two, rather rushed submissions this year. Neither submission had color, and both were done in pencil. Teachers running the competition hope that next year there will be more detailed stories.
“ Last year we had, for example, Violet Daubner and Joseph King-Emanuelle among others who put in a lot of time and effort to make their stories both interesting to read and interesting to look at,” Rademann said.
