The inaugural Historical Writing Contest hosted by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, and NorthCountryNow.com has come to a successful close with three winners and three runners up chosen from across the North Country.

The stories can be viewed in their entirety online at NorthCountryNow.com/contest .

“The talent on display from writers across St. Lawrence and Jefferson County is exciting,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “From recently relocated professionals to students who grew up in the North Country, we received stories that cover a breathtaking number of events in our recent and distant past.”

The contest sought entries from residents of St. Lawrence or Jefferson County that explored the region’s long history. It was open to non-fiction or historical fiction authors and well over 50 authors submitted their tales to the contest.

Author Alayna Bush, a sixth-grader from Adams, won the kid’s category for her story, “Whatever Destiny Has Laid Out For Me.” That story traces one young man’s life during the War of 1812 in Sackets Harbor.

Clare Cragg, Norwood, was runner up in the category with “Clare the Woman Suffragist.”

In the teen category, Norwood’s Asher Cragg won with his story “Whisky Run.” Asher’s story focuses on the bootlegging industry that sprung up across the St. Lawrence River during the prohibition era.

Gavin Murray of Heuvelton was the runner up in the teen category for his story, “Founders Day.”

Amanda Erin Stopa from Canton won the adult category with her story, “Apricity.” Apricity is a moving story about an employee at the St. Lawrence State Hospital in Ogdensburg and her interactions with one of the residents. Margaret Hockett of Canton was the runner up in the adult category with her story, “Thistle of Oak.”

“I want to thank everyone who participated in this contest,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “We have such a rich history in the North Country and I’m proud to be from the region. These stories demonstrate how much we have to gain by shining a light on our past and remembering where we came from.”

Contest winners and runners up will be honored at a brunch at SUNY Potsdam Saturday, April 2.