Tucker County is celebrating a historic academic achievement as Gio Maniscarco, an eighth-grade student at Davis Thomas Elementary/Middle School, earned first place in the 7–8 grade division of the 2026 West Virginia Young Writers Contest. His winning piece, The Pyro Accident, secured the top honor at the state level—marking the first time a Tucker County student has achieved this distinction.
Each year, students across Tucker County Schools participate in the Young Writers Contest, crafting original pieces within grade-level word limits on topics of their choice. Teachers submit top entries to the county level, where retired educators serve as judges. County winners then advance to state competition, where the highest honors are awarded.
Maniscarco’s achievement represents a milestone for the county, highlighting both his individual talent and the strength of Tucker County’s language arts programs. He will be recognized alongside his family and his Language Arts instructor, Elspeth DeLeurere, during a statewide celebration in Charleston on May 8. Tucker County students who earned top honors at the county level will also attend the event and be recognized for their achievements.
The West Virginia Young Writers Contest has recognized outstanding student writing for more than 35 years, featuring participants from grades 1–12 in every county across the state. The program is a collaborative initiative of the Central West Virginia Writing Project at Marshall University and the West Virginia Department of Education. This year’s Young Writers Day celebration will be held at the University of Charleston.
Submitted by Allyson McNaboe, Director of Federal Programs and Curriculum K-12, 21st CCLC WHL-U Program Director, CIS County Contact for Tucker County Schools.
