Young Writers Selected for VSA arts "Infinite Difference" Online Literary Journal

March 2, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 2, 2006 -- VSA arts announced eight young writers whose short stories and poems have been selected for "Infinite Difference" VSA arts' online literary journal. "Infinite Difference" showcases the creative works from middle and high school students offering diverse interpretations about experiences with disability.

A distinguished panel of experts reviewed over 70 submissions from students, ages 11-18 years old, with disabilities or who have a connection to someone with a disability. The stories and poems were judged for their creativity, depth of exploration, and presence of personal style or vision. The following awardees include:

Jax Fliss, 16, of Conway, Ark., poem, "Feeling Imperfect."
Ji Eun Son, 16, of Torrance, Calif., poem, "Until My Mind Goes Out Again…"
Gabby Green-Nickerson, 14, of Weaverville, Calif., short story, "The Things I'm Forced to See."
Adrienne DeVita, 18, of Wallingford, Pa., poem, "Piercing."
Christopher Fairbourn, 17, of Austin, Texas, short story, "The Dog."
Maria Petty, 14, of Austin, Texas, poem, "Heart."
Jessica Bolden, 17, of Waverly, Va., poem, "Category Five."
Kara Reese, 13, of Delafield, Wis., short story, "Metamorphosis."

In this call for flash fiction and poetry, students were challenged to view the world from the perspective and sensations of someone or something they have never before considered. This year's selections best exemplify this theme, "Another Point of View," by using the written word to express a creative image.

VSA arts developed the call for flash fiction and poetry to encourage creative writing in classrooms. "We are honored to publish the works of such talented students," said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. "They expressed their thoughts and feelings in an articulate and eloquent way - the poems and stories are excellent."

VSA arts' online literary journal provides an interactive forum for young writers where readers can post comments, thoughts and questions for the authors.

For more information about "Infinite Difference" visit www.vsarts.org.

VSA arts, an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in more than 60 countries around the world.

Media Contact

Marcia Rhodes / VSA arts, (202) 628-2800, ext. 3883, marciar@vsarts.org