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Zoie Johnson, a 7th grader, who lives in Taylors Falls, has been recognized on the regional-level of The Scholastic Writing Awards of 2011, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.

Her novel was recognized by a panel of literary arts professionals as one of the most outstanding works submitted. Only one National Gold Medal, 3 National Silver Medals and 25 Regional Gold Keys out of an initial 700 entries received recognition in the Awards this year. Earning a Gold Key is quite a remarkable achievement.

In their 88-year history, The Awards have recognized some of America's most celebrated artists and authors while they were teenagers, including: Richard Avedon, Mel Bochner, Truman Capote, Frances Farmer, Robert Indiana, Donald Lipski, Bernard Malamud, Joyce Maynard, Joyce Carol Oates, Tom Otterness, Philip Pearlstein, Sylvia Plath, Robert Redford, Andy Warhol, Charles White and Sherley Anne Williams.

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers title sponsor Scholastic Inc., and partners are pleased to honor Johnson's creative talents.

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