by Jason Turner

Columbus, OH — The submissions are in, the scores have been tallied, and now the USTA is proud to announce the winners of the 2009 Marie Hill Youth Writing Contest.

In the 13-and-up category, Kayla Brecht of Capac, Mich., was named the winner for her entry titled “The Horse of a Lifetime,” about a young girl and her bay gelding, Southwind Ranger. Second- and third-place finishers in the category were Brenna Gleason for her story, “Keeping the Standardbred” and Kyle Budach for his submission, “The Miracle Horse.”

Brittany Papa of Oneida, N.Y., was selected as the winner of the 12-and-under category for her story about a Hambletonian champion named Rags To Riches, titled “Race of Riches.” Second place was awarded to John Gerard, for his story “Horse Power” and third went to Kate Pennington for her story “Sgt. York’s Important Role.”

Entries were judged by contest founder and sponsor Marie Hill, Communicator’s Corner member and former Hoof Beats editor, Dean Hoffman, and Youth Beats editor Jason Turner.

The USTA would like to thank all the talented young writers who submitted to this year’s Marie Hill Youth Writing Contest.