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FPCA literary team shines at state
FPCA 2018 literary team
The First Presbyterian Christian Academy literary team, including Byron Padgett, left, Jelissa Estrada, Haley Stuart, Ali Dye and Kaylin Christianson, gathers March 21 after winning several awards at the GISA State Literary Competition in Barnesville. - photo by Photo provided.

The FPCA Literary team and brought home several awards from the GISA State Literary Competition on March 21 at Gordon State College in Barnesville. 

Fifteen GISA schools competed, with FPCA taking top spots in the argumentative essay and rhetorical essay categories. Rounding out the competition, FPCA finished in the top five in duo interpretation and piano. 

In piano, Ali Dye finished in fifth place. Participants received a list of pre-selected composers or musical eras to choose from. Dye performed “Prelude in C Major” by Bach and “Prelude in E Minor” by Chopin. 

She was judged on interpretation, technique, rhythm, phrasing and presentation. She scored a perfect 10 from both judges. 

In the argumentative essay category, Dye won first place. Participants were given a choice of three topics and then had two hours to compose their essay. Dye chose the topic, “Does social media have a positive or a negative impact on the lives of Americans?” 

Byron Padgett placed second in the rhetorical analysis category. He analyzed the writing of author James Agee in the piece “A Death in the Family.” 

Padgett earned high scores in his interpretation, development, style and organization of the essay. 

Other results include a seventh-place finish for Kaylin Christianson for the personal essay category and a fifth-place in duo interpretation of the piece “Right Swipe” by Patrick Bates, performed by Jelissa Estrada and Haley Stuart. 

FPCA literary advisor Stephen Padgett said he was proud of the results. 

“The students practiced hard and worked long hours for this. For the music categories, the students were completely self-driven,” he said. “They organized and practiced for it on their own. As the English teacher, I can guide the essay participants and know where their strengths and interests are.” 

Team members are Gia Sabalbaro, Ali Dye, Byron Padgett, Kaylin Christianson, Jelissa Estrada, Haley Stuart, Amber Padgett, Kara Robinson, Elizabeth Cook and Breanna Finif. 


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