CARROLLTON, GA — Four Carrollton High School students were recognized for their work this week when the Carrollton Creative Writers Guild and Carrollton Civic Woman’s Club announced the winners of its 2025 High School Creative Writing Awards. This annual competition features poetry and short stories by students in grades 9-12.

Adding to the anticipation, students did not know their placement until they arrived at the recognition event on March 4. Excitement filled the air as they opened their programs to reveal the award winners.

Senior Addison Lloyd has been honored several times in recent years for her writing talents and recently wrote a feature story for the Times-Georgian. For the second consecutive year, Addison was presented the guild's Special Recognition Award for her work. This year, she won with her short story, "Winter Ghost."

Junior Elliot Williamson won first place in the poetry category for her piece, “Fireworks.” Elliot is a part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and seamlessly balances her athletic and academic commitments while fostering creativity through writing.

Junior Brianna Ponder received her first writing recognition, winning second place for her poem “The Voice of a Female.” Brianna entered the writing competition for the first time this year as a way to share her creativity.

Freshman Lucy Slappey won first place in the short story category for “Invisible Threads.” Lucy is actively involved at CHS and placed third in the Optimist Club’s essay competition earlier this month. 

After the luncheon, the Carrollton Writers Guild provided workshops for the students to collaborate with guild members and discuss their writing processes.

Four Carrollton High School students were recognized for their creative writing skills at the 2025 High School Creative Writing Awards luncheon at the Carrollton Center for the Arts on March 4. Pictured from left are CHS Principal Ian Lyle, CHS teacher Jamie Biddle, freshman Lucy Slappey, junior Elliot Williamson, CHS teacher Noah Brewer, junior Brianna Ponder, CHS teacher Rosie Grubbs, CHS teacher Nichole Chetti, senior Addison Lloyd, and CHS teacher Hunter Spurlock.