(SAVANNAH, Ga.)  Leopold’s Ice Cream, in partnership with Live Oak Public Libraries, will join the eight winners of the 11th Annual Creative Writing Challenge at City Hall on Wednesday, March 24, at 2 p.m.

To replicate the full experience previous winners have received, while also adhering to the changes brought on by Covid-19 precautions, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson invited the honorees to record a reading of their winning entries, with the intention to share the broadcast on the Savannah Government Television channel.Honorees will be welcomed by representatives of Leopold’s Ice Cream and Live Oak Public Libraries, and Mayor Johnson will deliver remarks and commemorate the occasion with the “now-famous Mayor selfie.” Single-scoop, individually packed ice creams from Leopold’s Ice Cream will be served to all attendees.

Since its beginning in 2011, the Creative Writing Challenge continues to underscore Leopold’s Ice Cream’s commitment to literacy, art, education and fostering creativity and expression in young people. In line with previous years, owners Stratton and Mary Leopold were delighted to receive hundreds of entries from local schoolchildren across Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties.“This year’s entries were so strong, it was difficult to choose which were the best,” said Mary Leopold. “It says a lot about this community’s commitment to literacy and the power of the written word. We are happy to further the cause and thrilled at the level of participation,” she added.

The winners and runners up of the competition are:

Grades K-2:
1st Place: “My Family and Friends” by Amay Reddy
Kindergarten, Godley Station Elementary School2nd Place: “Love and Friendship” by Carson Stack
1st grade, Hesse Elementary School

Grades 3-5:
1st Place: “Friends and Family Are My Crew” by Kasey Rodgers
5th grade, Heard Elementary School

2nd Place: “Family and Friends” by Joy Hall
5th grade, Haven Elementary School

Grades 6-8:
1st Place: “The Ultimate Gift” by Hudson Christopher Miller
7th grade, Esther F. Garrison School of the Arts

2nd Place: “The Woods” by Ethan Crowe
6th grade, Veritas Academy

Grades 9-12:
1st Place: “Friends and Family” by Julian Wells Deveaux
9th grade, Homeschooled, Springfield, Georgia

2nd Place: “The Sayings” by Krystell Sanchez Romero
12th grade, Sol C. Johnson High School

The winning poems can be read here.

Poetry submissions were judged on creativity and adherence to the theme of “Friends and Family.”  The top winners in each group will also receive a cooler filled with Leopold’s Ice Cream delivered to their homes, and runners-up will receive a $25 Leopold’s Ice Cream gift certificate.

 

Leopold’s Ice Cream was founded in Savannah, Georgia in 1919 by three immigrant brothers from Greece. George, Peter and Basil passed their tradition of making super-premium, handmade ice cream in the shop, one batch at a time, down to Peter’s youngest son, Stratton. His commitment to arts and education in the community is second only to his dedication to unparalleled customer service and creating the highest quality ice cream possible in a fun, family environment. Some of Leopold’s signature, original flavors include Tutti Frutti, Rum Bisque and Savannah Socialite, and they have since expanded their staple and seasonal offerings to include several vegan ice cream flavors and the pet-friendly Doggie Sundae. In addition to its Creamery location and stores located in the heart of downtown Savannah and in the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Leopold’s Ice Cream offers catering and nationwide shipping. For more information, visit https://www.leopoldsicecream.com/ or call 912-777-5340.

ABOUT LIVE OAK PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Live Oak Public Libraries is a system of 16 libraries and one bookmobile providing programs and services in Chatham, Effingham, & Liberty Counties. Their mission is to provide excellent, responsive service to enrich people’s lives, support lifelong learning and build and enhance their communities.