Photo submitted by SWWC: Marshall's Nate Noble (left) and Shelby Penner of Mountain Lake (right) were this year's creative writing contest winners of a scholarship to Southwest Minnesota State University. Noble placed first in two writing categories.

MARSHALL – Marshall High School’s Nate Noble had a strong performance in this year’s Southwest West Central Service Cooperative (SWWC’s) creative writing contest, placing in the top 3 in all three categories.

Noble took first place in both the poetry and non-fiction categories, along with a second-place finish in the fiction category.

Noble and Shelby Penner, of Mountain Lake, were also this year’s recipients of a $2,000 scholarship to Southwest Minnesota State University. Penner took first in the fiction category. All award recipients were also given a medal, with first-place finishers receiving a gift card to Barnes and Nobles in addition.

The Creative Writing Award Ceremony took place on Sunday to recognize this year’s participants. The creative writing contest suits students in grades third through 12th, and students are encouraged to enter any or all of the three categories – poetry, fiction and non-fiction.

This was the SWWC’s 22nd year hosting the creative writing contest, which was also available to all eligible students in the cooperative’s 18-county service area.