Three seventh-grade students from Toledo St. Pius X School qualified to compete in the 20th annual state Power of the Pen competition: from left, Eileen Iannone, Olivia Hauser and Mara Kalinoski. (Photo courtesy of Toledo St. Pius X School)

Approximately 700 writers from 300 schools participated in the all-day state writing tournament, which is the culmination of 28 district and 12 regional competitions. Representing St. Pius X School at the state level, in addition to Mara, were Olivia Hauser and Eileen Iannone.

Mara, the daughter of Steve and Ellen Kalinoski, is the first seventh-grader in the Diocese of Toledo to win the state Power of the Pen competition.

Olivia, the daughter of Christopher and Dorothy Hauser, placed ninth in the contest and Eileen, the daughter of Jim and Therese Iannone, placed in the top 12.

Beth Patrilla coached the St. Pius X School Power of the Pen team. Under her supervision, the students practiced daily for the past five months to prepare themselves for the state competition.