Sophia Sinclair Press Service International's chief editor provided an encouraging comment as each young writer was awarded their 'best article' certificate. Sophia read the title of their 'best article' followed by her comment.
Irenie How: The greatest fiction ever written
Irenie How is a writer from Christchurch, New Zealand. Her writing displays a clear love and appreciation of the gospel and a desire to share God's truth with others.
Charis Joy Jackson: I am Verity's man
Charis Joy Jackson is a writer living in Brisbane. Charis is a published fiction writer and filmmaker, with a love for all things creative. In 2015 Charis received the Basil Sellers International Outstanding Award.
Jack Liang: Greed is good
Jack is a Sydney-based writer studying commerce and arts at Macquarie University. Jack often explores Anglican distinctives and church issues in his writing.
Tahnee March: Embracing obedience beyond inadequacy
Tahnee March joined Press Service International as a young writer in 2015. Her writing often explores issues relating to cross cultural ministry and always demonstrates thoughtfulness and vulnerability.
Emma McGeorge: What the Witch said
Emma is an Italian-South African with a New Zealand passport, living in Papua New Guinea where she serves with MAF: Mission Aviation Fellowship. Her writing is honest and demonstrates Emma's love of beautiful language.
Tash McGill: Without language
Tash McGill is an Auckland-based writer known for her boldness and vulnerability. Tash has been writing for PSI since 2012.
Sabrina Meyer: I am not good enough
Sabrina Meyer joined the PSI team in 2015. She is a Christchurch-based writer and is studying a bachelor of arts in English and History.
Justin Monaghan: The 'real' festival: one special meal in history
Justin is a South Australian writer who runs a creative home fellowship with his wife Liana. Justin has been writing for Press Service International since 2015.
Cartia Moore: You'll never be alone
Cartia Moore joined the PSI young writers team this year. Her pieces often reflect her love of pop culture and the arts. Cartia has the honour of being our first next generation young writer—her mum Rebecca started out as a young writer.
Tim Newman: The NFL Draft: America flips a coin (Sport) / Is ISIS Islamic? (Comment)
Tim Newman is from Christchurch, New Zealand and is a double threat—writing in both the sports and comment categories for PSI.
Talisa Pariss: Dear Perfection. You suck
Talisa joined the team of young writers earlier this year and has proven her skill with an excellent collection of pieces.
Tim Shallard: Dynamite for a battle-torn planet
Tim Shallard is a New Zealand writer based in Auckland. Tim's love of poetry is often reflected in his articles, and he often employs poetic technique to convey stories and ideas.
Andrew Sinclair: Has Facebook changed friendship?
Andrew began writing for PSI last year, after many years of pestering from his wife! He loves to write about theology and the gospel.
Special Awards:
The following categories recognise excellence and diligence in writing among our young writers. The Press Service International New Young Writer Award is awarded to outstanding young writers who have joined the team in the last calendar year.
New Young Writer Award 2016: Emily Black
Emily was one of the only writers to ever 'audition' by sending me samples of her material. Her background in creative writing is evident in the way she explores narrative and storytelling in her comment writing. I particularly appreciate her vulnerability and creative expression.
New Young Writer Award 2016: Sabrina Meyer
Sabrina's humility and willingness to improve her skills were evident when she sent in her first article. I've been witness to her developing writing ability and talent for exploring faith, emotion and what it means to trust in God.
Then another – the Press Service International Editor's Award is allocated by Young Writers' Editor Sophia Sinclair to a writer who has shown growth, willingness and humility to serve and—most importantly—excellent grammar.
Editor's Award 2016: Irenie How
Irenie's articles are always beautifully self-edited, and she is one of the only writers to ever correctly distinguish an em-dash from an en-dash, making her a worthy recipient of the Editor's Award! Irenie will also be joining our new team of weekly editors, taking on the New Zealand articles once every five weeks.
Then another - the Press Service International High Distinction Award goes to a writer who has demonstrated a high level of skill and diligence.
High Distinction Award 2016: Bonnie Dowie
Vulnerability and honesty are trademark qualities of Bonnie's excellent writing, demonstrating depth in the way she writes about emotion and experience.
Tomorrow the Major Award comments by chief editor Sophia Sinclair
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html