Winners of Land Bank’s Young Adult Essay Contest

Young adult writers were recently challenged to write about “Preserving What’s Important in a Changing World” and ‘Imagine the Islands Without Land Conservation” in essay or poem format for the third annual Young Adult Essay Contest sponsored by the San Juan County Land Bank.

Elli Blaine’s first prize-winning poem, “Orcas Oasis,” allows one to savor the delicacies of Turtleback Mountain and ponder what might have happened had it not been preserved.

Elli received $250 for her entry.

Jeanie Tran’s poem, “This Land Was Made For You and Me,” and Lily Sky’s poem “The Hermit Questions” were named co-second place winners, receiving $50 each.

When receiving word of her award, Lily said, “This is such an important topic. I think that it is wonderful that this competition brings the topic of preservation into high schools, particularly to students in the beautiful San Juan Islands. Thank you for offering this opportunity to all of us.”

Land Bank Commissioner Amanda Azous and local writer Janet Thomas provided judging services.

The Land Bank’s Young Adult Essay Contest started in 2006 with prizes provided by donation from islanders.

Winning poems are available to read at the Land Bank Administrative office at 328 Caines St., Friday Harbor.