Congratulations to the young adults who are winners and finalists in Sierra Writers 7th Annual Young Writers Short Story Contest.

The three winners, pictured above, will receive scrolls and cash prizes (first, second, and third prizes are $150, $125 and $100, respectively) Wednesday at the Madelyn Helling Library in Nevada City (near what is known as the Rood Administration Center), 6:30 p.m.; they will also read their stories to the audience.

Finalists includes Brittany Blake, Camille Cadeaux, Ariel Castro, Aubrey Costa, William Glad, William Forrest Holden, Zoe Toffaleti and Michael Voorhees.

Guidelines for the contest, open to everyone between the ages of 15 and 19 who either resides in Nevada County or attends school here, are always posted in January for that year on the site www.sierrawriters.org.

As an organization, Sierra Writers engages a wide range of authors, from wannabes to accomplished professionals. It takes pride, says President Chuck Jaffee, in sponsoring this contest as a way to encourage Nevada County youth. Contact him at (530) 265-2982 with any questions.

- The Union staff