Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Lincoln County High School students embraced the holiday spirit with a Christmas Story Contest organized by local author and LCHS graduate Casey Roberts. The event encouraged students to showcase their creativity through festive storytelling, with twelve submissions capturing a variety of heartfelt themes.

Roberts, now a writer for the Interior Journal, returned to LCHS to meet the aspiring writers, share insights about storytelling, and present prizes to the top two winners.

First place was awarded to junior Eiryn Estes for her story, “The Christmas I Got My Sister Back,” while second place went to Sarah Turner for her charming tale, “Little Santa.” Both winners received gift cards for their exceptional work.

“It’s always exciting to see young writers bring their ideas to life,” Roberts said. “The stories were moving, thoughtful, and a testament to the creativity of these students. I’m so proud to see this kind of talent coming from my alma mater.”

Roberts hopes the contest will continue to inspire students to pursue writing and share their unique perspectives. “Writing is such a powerful way to process emotions, explore ideas, and connect with others,” Roberts said. “I hope this contest reminds students that their voices matter and their creativity can make a difference.”

Winning Stories

First Place:

“The Christmas I Got My Sister Back”

By Eiryn Estes

“Mel… Mel… Melody” said Remi “wake up.”

My eyes cracked open as Remi is staring into my them. “Mel, please say you’ll help set up the Christmas dance at the high school. “What” I said.

“Oh… um well somehow I got signed up to organize the whole thing” said Remi.

“Um, I’ll get back to you on that” but really I’m not actually I’m not doing Christmas at all this year.

I was born as a twin and my twin’s name was Harmony but we all call her Har but I haven’t seen her in four months.

Seven months ago, was the worst day of my life. Me and my family were on vacation and decide to go on a speed boat… but that was the worst mistake ever. The speedboat hit a rock and we all knew we couldn’t get out. My mom and dad slam the door open but just enough for me and Har. We were the only ones who made it.

We were sent into foster care and have been separated ever since. I was adopted by a nice family but they like to tiptoe around me and “all my feelings.” I don’t mind them, especially Remi. Remi is 14 and reminds me so much of Har. Har was sent into a foster home and I haven’t heard anything from her since.

“Foods ready!” I snap back. I run downstairs as I’m slipping on my shoes.

“Look who is finally awake” said Robert, my adopted dad. Hey, I said quietly trying to go unnoticed.

Then Rob asked, “What are your plans for the day?”

What I wanted to say was I’m going to go to school, sit by myself at lunch, go pick up Remi and then drop her off at dance, drive home and cry into my pillow. Then I said hesitantly, “Nothing much.”

“Nice,” said Robert awkwardly.

After breakfast, I head to school. Alkaline County High School, what a beloved place. As a junior in high school, I like to rely on the fact that it will be over soon. My last few months at this school I had made one friend Lily Rose but see there a little detail about Lily Rose is that she is one of the most popular kids in school. Lily Rose is an amazing actor that acted for a few movies that shot nearby. So everyone wanted to be friends with her but Lily is nice to everyone so at first I believed that she was being my friend out of pity but she has me over at her house at least once a week, which is the highlight of my week.

Now I arrive at school trotting in there like nothing is wrong. Lily Rose ran up to me and said “Why would you not tell me you are helping with the Christmas Party.

“WHAT?” I said. Yeah check it out she said as she shows me a photo of the signup sheet. “I told Remi I would think about it because I didn’t have the heart to tell her no!”

“Lily what am I going to do?”

“I think that you should do it you can’t just skip Christmas,” said Lily. “Fine” I said. “Great, let’s start brainstorming” said Lily.”

After school, I go to pick up Remi and take her to her dance class. Then I head home but just can’t seem to get the Christmas dance out of my mind. I think that Harmony would have wanted me to help that is the only reason I said yes…. But what if it’s fun, what if I enjoy Christmas? The doorbell rang three times. It was Lily Rose “Ok, time to get started on the dance want to come over?” asked Lily.

After weeks of brainstorming the day of the dance finally came and I… I was surprisingly excited. We had worked so incredibly hard for it and the venue was gorgeous and winter wonderland-themed. We had gingerbread cookies, cake, hot chocolate, and a bunch of other food and drinks. My favorite part had to have been the 10-foot-tall Christmas tree. A few others and l were in charge of the Christmas tree picking out every ornament by hand and placing them exactly. After decorating and getting everything ready I went home to get ready for the dance.

Once I was done getting ready and Lily Rose go to take a few photos and then headed to the dance. Lily and I were just sitting at a table when these two guys came up to us, Walker and William, our crushes.

Inside I was thinking what in the world are they doing coming over here AHHH but of course, I had to stay calm. Walker came up to me and asked if I wanted to dance. Again, inside I’m screaming “yes yes yes” but I calmly say “sure.” Lily and I danced the night away.

On the way home I get a text “Hey honey I have a surprise for you,” from Sarah, my adopted mom. Huh what could that be? I haven’t seen her barely at all today. I also love surprises so I thought that the night could not get any better.

When I got home, I was swarmed by Remi giving me a hug. “What is it” I said. “Can I tell her?” Remi asked. Sarah said yes and Remi excitedly said “We are getting a new sister.” Not knowing how I feel about this knowing that no sister could ever replace Har but I have to say something but what? “Oh” I said “Is mom pregnant” Mom and dad said “No sweety, we are adopting Harmony” what? I think to myself this can’t be true. “Wait, really?” I screamed” “YES!” mom said “She is flying over and should be here in two days!”

That night I couldn’t sleep for the overjoy that I felt. Me and Harmony together again I couldn’t fathom the fact that I got so lucky to have the best parents twice. The next day Lily came over and we set up a welcome home surprise party and Lily was so excited to meet Har. The next two days came the slowest they could ever come but, finally the day was here. Mom and dad went to pick her up from the airport but her stuff came the day before. “I heard the car doors close,” said Remi just as excited. As the door opens we all jump out and surprise her. Everyone gasped at the fact that we were so similar.

Harmony started at school after the break and things started to look up. Har and I were inseparable. I made more friends and joined soccer. Walker and I started dating and everything was great. That was the best Christmas I ever had and will always remember it as the Christmas I got my sister back.

Second Place:

“Little Santa”

By Sarah Turner

It was one day before Christmas, and Oliver still didn’t have a present for his Grandmother. He had searched high and low for one all year.

He wants to get her the best gift. He looked at every shop on every corner but could not find something that could be for her. Oliver wanted to give his grandmother a reason to smile.

He wanted to get the best gift because she had been so sad since Oliver’s Grandfather died last Christmas.

That fateful morning Oliver woke up to his Grandmother in the living room holding a little toy Santa. His Grandmother looked up from Little Santa and said,” Oh Oliver you’re up I wanted to give this to you. I know it’s not Christmas yet. It was your grandfather’s. He wanted to give it to you but…” the Grandmother said with a little smile. “Oh, and he was poised to tell you something but I’ve forgotten, well, Oliver, here. Merry Christmas.”

“Thank you! I love it, Grandma!” Oliver exclaimed with joy.

“Now go play, Oliver.” Grandmother said, as Oliver shrugged on his coat and gloves holding on to Little Santa.

Oliver goes outside only to meet a girl his age with bright red hair. The girl turns out to be his best friend, Briar. They met when they were little kids, and have been inseparable ever since.

“Oliver! Come on,” yells Briar, her red hair flowing in the wind as they run to town together. Entering the town square full of people buying presents with bright colors and bold bows.

“What’s that?” asks Briar, taking Little Santa.

“It’s from my Grandma. Give it back,” Oliver said, snatching it back, but Little Santa fell to the ground.

At the very same time, a woman said “ug I think my Christmas wish would be a full tank of gas.” Then a quick sound of bells and the woman yells “Hey look Becky someone filled my gas tank.”

“Oliver.” Briar said looking at Little Santa, “Do you think Little Santa did that?”

Oliver looks from Little Santa to the lady. “Yeah I… I think he did! Do you think he gives people their Christmas wishes?” Oliver picks up Little Santa from the ground.

“OOOOH let’s try it, hmmm my Christmas wish for a lollipop!” declared Briar. Oliver shook little Santa but there was no sound of bells like before.

“Maybe it can’t be for us.” Oliver prosed.

“Yeah that sounds right”

“So what do we do now Briar?”

“We go make Christmas wishes come true!” Briar answered, taking Oliver’s hand and dragging him along.

She ran to the local store with Mr. Smith at the counter, Mrs. Smith was making cookies to sell. “Oliver! Briar! Merry Christmas.” Said Mrs. Smith “Here have a cookie.”

Oliver, taking the cookie asks “What would be your Christmas wish, Mrs. Smith? If you could have anything.” Mrs. Smith looks over to Mr. Smith.

They make eye contact as Mrs. Smith said “It would be for our son to come visit. It’s been so long since he has.” Oliver looks over the Briar as she stuffs a cookie in her face and nods. Oliver looked back to Mr. and Mrs. Smith as he shook Little Santa. Bells rang out from him as the bell on the door rang and a man walked it. Mr. Smith’s face broke into a smile and Mrs. Smith dropped the cookies she had, tears fell from her face as she yelled her son’s name with pure joy. Oliver and Briar slipped out.

“THAT was super cool! Did you see Mrs. Smith? She looks so happy!” said Briar with joy.

They ran together laughing as they headed to Eric’s Place, which was a little cafe on the corner. There were two cars in the parking lot. As Oliver and Briar walked in they saw Eric, a young man with black hair, serving a small family food. Besides them, the cafe was deserted. Oliver and Briar poured all the cash they had on them to the table. They had just enough for 2 hot chocolates. Eric walked up asking what Oliver and Briar wanted. Briar answered first.

“We would like two hot chocolates, please!” Briar replied.

“Alright,” Eric said happily. Eric takes their money and Oliver and Briar split the dollar they have. They look at each other knowing what the other is thinking. They wait for Eric as he brings the biggest, most delicious-looking hot chocolate ever with whipped cream and grated chocolate. Eric sat them down in front of Oliver and Briar as they grabbed them and took quick sips because they were still hot. Briar sat hers down as she looked at Eric.“ Eric? What would be your Christmas wish?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Eric said, pondering. “Maybe more people to come to my cafe. I would love to be able to cook for more people.” Oliver then shook Little Santa and with the sound of bells, a car pulled in. Then another and another till the parking lot was filled with cars. People came in laughing. Eric ran to sit people and even with the surplus of people he looked happy to have them. Oliver and Briar sat at the table in the corner as they drank the rest of their hot chocolate. They watched Eric run from table to table. Later his mom came in to help him. Eric looked at her, spread his arms, and laughed as his mother smiled looking at her son’s dream come true right before her eyes. Oliver and Briar walked out thanking Eric for the hot chocolate.

They walked out into a setting sun. Oliver hugged his coat tighter against the cold. They walked home together throwing snowballs and catching snowflakes. Briar lived farther out so she walked Oliver to his Grandmother’s house. He walked into the little house finding his Grandmother in the living room next to the Christmas tree. It was close to 7 and Oliver and his Grandmother ate dinner together and watched T.V. When they got done it was closer to 11:30. All this time Oliver had been cuddling with Little Santa.

He looked at his Grandmother’s sad smile and asked her “Grandma, what would you wish for Christmas? What would be your wish?” She looked at him and smiled but, before she could say anything Oliver shook Little Santa, and with the sound of bells the front door burst open as his parents walked in holding gifts. Oliver forgot to ask what his Grandmother’s wish was but he knew.

“Daddy? What was the Grandmother’s wish?” asked the little girl on my floor. Her red hair curling. She looked at me with a face open with wonder.

I look at the fireplace at the Little Santa toy I got from my grandmother. “She wanted to spend Christmas with her family all together,” I say as her mother comes in with the same red hair.

“Oliver, you know it’s bedtime!”

“Yes, I know Briar,” I say as I pick up our daughter. I take her to bed, turn off the lights and say, “Goodnight, baby girl!”