Hunter Guerra, eighth grader at ND Middle School

HURLOCK — One North Dorchester Middle School student has been named a finalist in the prestigious Letters About Literature writing contest, sponsored by the Maryland Humanities Council.

Hunter Guerra, an eighth grade student, captivated the judges with her writing entry as she addressed the prompt “How did an author’s work change your view of the world?” Guerra shared how the book Wonder by RJ Palacio impacted her life. Guerra’s word choice and authentic voice tackled the difficult issue of bullying and choices individuals make in making others feel inferior. She shared similar personal experiences of the main character August “Auggie” Pullman as both were viewed as “different and often picked on” for their appearance.

“Hunter has really grown this year as a writer. She is dedicated to her craft and often uses writing as a way to share a lot of her personal feelings which cannot always be expressed aloud,” Brian Cook, Hunter’s eighth grade Language Arts teacher, explained. “The progress she has made with her writing this year is a result of her inspiration in wanting to earn the necessary admission requirements to enroll in the cosmetology program at Dorchester Career and Technology Center (DCTC) once she enters high school. The unconditional compassion of all of her teachers is a great contributor to her success and perseverance to tackle many obstacles, academically and socially, this year.”

Ms. Guerra, one of only two individuals representing the Eastern Shore counties, joined the rest of the Letters About Literature finalists to be recognized at an awards ceremony on April 25 at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch in Baltimore.

Guerra’s entry can be found on Mr. Cook’s class blog. http://dorchesterpress.wordpress.com