2025 Word Fest Winners

MAC English Department Hosts Word Fest

The Mineral Area College English Department recently hosted its annual Word Fest writing competition.  

Area high school students were invited to submit personal narrative essays. Four local high schools submitted work: Central R-III, Marquand-Zion R-VI, Ste. Genevieve R-II, and West County R-IV.

First, second, and third place winners in the junior class division each received a $250 MAC dual credit or dual enrollment scholarship; first and second place winners in the sophomore and senior class divisions received gift cards. All participants received a journal.

Congratulations to the winning writers!

Senior Class Division Winners:

• First Place: Ainsley McClard (Ste. Genevieve)
• Second Place: Hayden McCarty (Central)

Junior Class Division Winners:

• First Place: Kelsi Coleman (West County)
• Second Place: Abigail Merklin (Ste. Genevieve)
• Third Place: Nickolas Wanick (West County)

Sophomore Class Division Winners:

• First Place: Lauren Jackson (West County)
• Second Place: Kylee Mays (West County)