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Creek students to have work published

STUDENTS TO BE PUBLISHED — Three Indian Creek High School students will see their original works published in an upcoming collection of scary stories entitled, “Fright Club.” The students entered the Young Writers writing contest in the fall. Taking part in the contest were, from left, Addison Runkel, Wil Hurlock and Brilee Tirpek, who received certificates for their entries. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — A trio of creative students at Indian Creek High School will have their spine-chilling mini sagas featured in an upcoming publication.

Members of the school’s creative writing club, the Ink Society, took part in the Young Writers contest this fall. Teacher Aaron Morrida said seniors Addison Runkel, Wil Hurlock and Brilee Tirpek were selected for inclusion in a collection of works.

“Young Writers sponsors a publication called ‘Fright Club,’ and they have a contest,” Morrida explained, noting the stories may be selected for publication.

“They had to write a 100-word scary story,” he continued. “Three of our students were chosen for publication. I am proud of them and know they are very excited.”

The contest was open to writers between the ages of 11 and 18. Students were challenged to write a scary story, complete with a thrilling twist or a hauntingly-funny tale. The top three winners of the contest received a prize. Students were presented with a certificate for their achievement and are excited to see their ideas among the stories in the collection.

Runkel, daughter of Raeni Runkel of Wintersville, said her tale “Think Before You Cheat,” centers on a relationship gone “dead wrong.”

“I have a lot of characters and it’s a story where one character murders his cheating girlfriend,” she said. Runkel added she enjoys writing in her free time and is working on another piece she hopes to publish. “I like writing because I can enjoy my own made-up world,” she said.

Hurlock, daughter of Josh and Beth Hurlock of Bloomingdale said her story “Hang in There,” follows a young girl trying to turn her life around but includes a dark twist.

“We had a limit of 100 words,” she explained. “There had to be a dark twist or scary vibe. We submitted them in October and learned they would be published around Halloween.”

“My story is scary but my grandpa Val Valentine, who is a writer, would be proud. Writing is a breakaway from reality,” she said.

Tirpek’s work is entitled “13 Flyers,” which follows a character who loses an eye while in prison. Daughter of Jake Tirpek and Tara Patton of Wintersville, she said she was excited about the prospect of being published.

“It’s the best thing that’s happened to me,” she said, adding she loves any chance she has to write.

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