Editor:

The steering committee of the 18th Young Authors’ Conference would like to express our sincere appreciation to the following sponsors: Caton’s Chapel Community Club, Pi Beta Phi Elementary School, Pigeon Forge Primary PTO, Sevier County Board of Education, Sevier County Education Association, Sevier County Education Foundation, Sevier County Reading Association, Sevierville Intermediate PTO, Sevierville Primary PTO, Seymour Intermediate School, and Seymour Primary School.

Their financial support made it possible to bring author and illustrator Mike Artell to Pigeon Forge Primary on March 23 for the conference. The participants received an autographed copy of his book, “Petite Rouge,” a Cajun Red Riding Hood, and a special medal. The participants consisted of over 450 students in first through fourth grade from every public school in our county.

The committee also thanks the more than 100 Sevier County Board of Education employees who led small groups and helped host the event. We would also like to thank the Pigeon Forge Police Department for all of their help with dismissal the night of the conference and The Mountain Press for coming and sharing with the children on exciting evening celebrating writing/reading.

Randall Kincaid, Steering Committee, Young Authors’ Conference