Addie Schierloh, Fallen Timbers Middle School sixth grader, was named a winner in the Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s (TLCPL) 24th annual Ruth Blank Venner and Mary Jane Blank McCormick Writing Contest. Her short story, The Donut Mystery, captured the judges’ hearts and earned her the title of Waterville Public Library’s branch finalist and a $25 gift card prize. This year’s contest, which featured the theme “Tell us about a funny thing that happened to you or someone you know,” invited young writers to share their creative takes on real-life humor.
Addie’s entry tells an entertaining tale of some missing donuts with an important lesson about telling the truth – all centered around her love for donuts.
“I really love donuts, and I really don’t have a favorite flavor,” Addie laughed. “My dad usually buys donuts wherever is closest, but I really like Mama C’s Donuts.”
When asked about her inspiration, Addie credited her mom for encouraging her to enter the contest for extra credit. The idea of winning a prize was an added incentive. But ultimately, Addie’s love for storytelling made the project enjoyable.
“We have to write paragraphs and essays for school, and I like doing them,” she said.
Addie developed her story over the course of a weekend, making a few edits and taking advice from her mom.
“It didn’t take too long to write,” she said. “But I like to try different ideas to see what I like best.”
Intervention Specialist Nichole Green praised Addie’s unique writing style and personal growth as a writer.
“Addie is such a creative and spunky girl that she truly just puts her own thoughts on paper, and it makes her such a strong writer so naturally,” she shared. “What stood out in this piece was Addie’s true personality. Some see her in a whole group as so quiet and reserved. I see her in a small group as very outgoing, vocal and animated, and this is exactly what this writing piece helped show.”
Nichole also highlighted Addie’s hard work and determination as key qualities that have helped her grow as a writer, ultimately helping her to succeed in the contest.
“Addie has grown so much personally and academically, and it has really shown through in her writing, with more personality and more details,” Nichole said.
Winning the contest was an exciting moment for Addie. “I was really happy and surprised,” she said, revealing plans to spend her gift card on clothes from Lululemon. Her story also received high praise from the judges, including Waterville Branch Librarian John Cook.
“Addie’s story was so funny that we were laughing out loud while reading it at the reference desk,” John said. “She did a wonderful job developing her characters, especially her dad, who was our favorite.”
While Addie doesn’t see herself becoming a writer in the future, she dreams of following in her dad’s footsteps by joining the Secret Service.
“It seems so cool because there are so many jobs you can do, like protecting the president or other famous people,” she said.
In the meantime, Addie enjoys hobbies like art, puzzles and being part of her school’s House team, Modero, which she proudly described as “the coolest and best team.”
For other students considering entering writing contests, Addie offered simple yet heartfelt advice: “I definitely would encourage them and tell them, ‘I believe in you.’” Her message to readers of her story is equally sweet: “Always like donuts, and everything will be okay.”
The annual writing contest honors the legacy of Ruth Blank Venner and Mary Jane Blank McCormick, two women dedicated to supporting literacy and the TLCPL system. The generosity of their family continues to inspire young writers like Addie to share their creativity and humor with the community. Congratulations, Addie, on your deliciously delightful win!
The Donut Mystery
By Adeline Schierloh
Have you ever done something bad, and you blamed it on your sibling? I have never done that before! Or have I? My little brother and I have a very strong bond. No one makes me laugh more. He dresses up in my girl clothes and crazy wigs and does dance routines with me. One time, he put whipped cream all over his face and it got up his nose! Another time, we went hiking in the cold; he thought he was so amazing climbing rocks, but he slipped and fell into the freezing creek. We had no towels around. After we knew he was okay, we couldn't stop laughing! But enough about him, let me tell you a little about me. I am a fabulous big sister. For starters, I let him help me make my bed. No, really, though.... do let him hang out in my room and when he gets scared, I let him sleep in my room. When my dad gets us donuts I always let him pick first because he is very particular; he doesn't like sprinkles or anything too sweet.
This brings me to a time early in life, when I messed up real big, but in the most delicious way. One morning, my dad brought us a dozen donuts, which seems like a lot, but not for me! My brother and I usually get two each. I finished my donut so fast; it didn't even feel like I had any. He didn't want the rest of his, so I ate that one too! That was not enough for me either, so I went back for more. Later, my dad came downstairs and looked at the box of donuts to grab one, but more than half the box was empty. My dad yelled out through the house "Family Meeting!" We all collected ourselves together in the family room. Dad said "Okay guys, I'm not mad at anyone.” However, if you know my dad, his voice is very deep and serious. He will yell the words "why does everyone always say I'm yelling, when I'm not yelling!" It makes us all laugh inside, but everyone tries to keep a straight face. He asked us "who ate all the donuts?" My brother started to snicker and could not keep from laughing the loudest. I stayed silent and panicked inside. The whole family accused my brother for the missing donut mystery and I let him take the fall.
All day, I was busy with activities and I felt so guilty. It just ate away at my feelings. I am a person who cannot lie because I feel so terrible. I pride myself on being an honest person. Even worse, I let my brother get blamed because he was giggling and laughing. We were riding in the car on the way home and I couldn't take it anymore....! I had to tell the truth or I would explode. I just confessed, "guys, we need to talk about something really serious." My parents were quiet. "I ate all the donuts. It was me. I'm so sorry." Everyone was quiet, even my brother. Somebody say something! Then they all busted out laughing. I thought they would all be mad, but everyone was so shocked they almost didn't believe it. I hated the feeling of lying so much, I never lied again. And my parents were always more suspicious about any missing donuts.