COVINGTON, Ga. - The Newton County School System is pleased to announce Newton High School freshman, Arriana Gross, won the statewide ninth-grade Young Georgia Authors Contest competition with her entry, “The Seeds.” Gross previously won first place at both the school district and regional level. 

Students participating in the Young Georgia Authors Contest could submit entries in the form of short stories, poetry, essays, journals, personal narratives, reports or other original student writing. Submissions were judged on four domains as reflected in the Georgia Standards of Excellence—ideas, organization, cohesiveness, and language. 

“I am extremely proud of Arriana,” NCSS Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey said. “She is obviously a very talented writer and that is an important skill to have. Arriana has represented both Newton High School and the Newton County School System well. Considering the fact that she’s only a freshman, it wouldn’t surprise me to see her name on the Young Georgia Authors Contest’s list of champions for several years to come.”