Eighth grader has story published in ‘Dream Catchers’

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com
 
Graci Runk won fourth place in her age group in a writing contest, but when she read her story to the members of the Daingerfield-Lone Star Independent School District, she was a first place winner in everyone’s hearts.
Graci, age 14, and an eighth grader at Daingerfield Junior High, is now published. Her story was chosen to be among others in the book called “Dream Catchers” which is a collection of stories inspired by St. Jude’s Research Hospital by aspiring young authors.
“Tammy Thompson is a writer that lives in Texarkana, and we heard about the writing contest from her grandparents who live in Texarkana,” Kristy Runk, Graci’s mother said. “We heard about it last summer and Graci submitted her story.”
Graci said in the contest rules, it was suggested that you write about something or someone who made you what you are now.
“I wanted to write about Mason Ridenour as I had attended school with him since kindergarten,” Graci said. “When he heard he had cancer, he was always strong and knew he could get through it. He came back to school and tried.
“It touched me because even though you are in a tough time, you push through it. Even though it did not work for Mason, it inspired me. It inspired me to always believe in yourself and that you could get through anything.”
Graci found out in November that her story had won a place in the “Dream Catchers” book. Graci’s story is titled “Searching for the Silver Lining.”
“There are about 40 stories in the book,” Graci said. “I have had one book signing at the library in Texarkana. A lot of people came through. There were different kids at different times. There were 10 others with me that day I was there in November. I was the only one from Daingerfield.”
Junior high school counselor Judy Pilgrim is proud of Graci’s accomplishments.
“I have known Graci for the three years she has been in junior high,” Mrs. Pilgrim said. “She has always been active in many different activities and is an excellent student. She is a cheerleader, she is on the National Junior Honor Society, she is a Student Council officer, she is in athletics and she excels in everything she does.”
A copy of the book may be purchased through Amazon. All proceeds will go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Graci is the daughter of Terry and Kristy Runk of Daingerfield, and the granddaughter of Larry and Diana Kennedy of Mount Pleasant and BJ and Jackie Martin of Texarkana.