Creative minds: Young Writers Award winners Sophie Ryan (left), Hamish Watson and Petria Johnson journeyed to foreign worlds with their stories on ancient samurais in Japan, Greek mythology and African child soldiers.
THREE Naracoorte High School students have taken out young writers awards after letting their imaginations run wild.
Hamish Watson, Sophie Ryan and Petria Johnson journeyed to foreign countries with their stories which they started writing at the beginning of term 3.
Year 8 student Hamish was inspired by the Percy Jackson book series with his story based on Greek mythology, "The rise of the underworld".
Sophie, Year 9, delved into the world of ancient samurais in Japan with "Bravery is expected".
Lastly, Petria, Year 10, was influenced by a topic she learnt about in class, child soldiers in Africa with her piece "Albertine".
The school's English teachers picked the top three stories from each of their classes which were then judged by a panel consisting of Ruth Dennis, Lisa Riley and Jacob Robson.
Each year level winner received a $30 voucher from Dymocks and the opportunity to have their work published online.
Petria will also get to do a day's work experience at the Herald.
English teacher Mr Robson said story telling and creative writing were valuable skills often neglected.
"It is important we foster these skills and allow this mode of expression to develop," he said.
"The young writer award allows students to write creatively for fun, and not just as part of the 'assignment process'.
"It gives students an opportunity to shine in an area other than sport and general academics."
Each student in Year 8, 9 and 10 entered the inaugural competition which was run internally by the school.
View the winning entries: Albertine, Bravery is Expected and The Rise of the Underworld.