Judges for the Young Christian Writers Contest
Linda Clonch - Judge
Lifelong resident of Fayette County, WV, Linda was born with a passion and talent for writing. Over the span of more than six decades, she has written poems, stories, plays and programs for her church and Girl Scout Troops. Her poems have been published in books and newspapers and many of her plays and programs were so popular they remained in use for years.
Between Gatewood, Calvary and Fayetteville Baptist Churches, Linda has over 40 years of experience leading AB Girls, teaching Sunday School classes and organizing youth groups. She often encourages others to take up the practice of journaling for therapy and clarity.
Diane Hylton - Judge
Diane is originally from West Virginia where she began her teaching career after graduating from Concord University. She taught for a few years in Raleigh County before moving to North Carolina where she taught for nine years. Diane, along with her husband and six fur-babies now live in Georgia in order to be closer to their daughter and family.
Over the past 20 years, Diane has taught in a combination of private, Christian, charter and public school systems. In addition to teaching her students in an academic setting, she has also had the honor of teaching Sunday School classes to various elementary age groups over the years. She says, "Since I was a little girl, I had dreamed of being a teacher and I am so thankful the Lord granted my dream."
Karen Baisi - Judge
Karen Baisi is a retired Fayette County Elementary Educator. She taught multiple subjects including creative writing, for 37 years before retiring in 2022.
She is an active member of her church, lending a helping hand wherever it is needed. Since retiring, she loves having the time to travel and making memories with those she loves!
Josephine McGuire - Judge
Josie graduated from Mt. View Christian School in Fayette County, WV where she participated in student government as well as cheerleading, basketball and volleyball. She enjoys writing as a therapeutic form of expression and, in 2018, won the Young Writers Contest for her pro-life essay. She also enjoys reading, particularly Christian fiction because of the inspiration and reprieve from the challenges of modern life.
Josie graduated from Liberty University in 2022 and worked for Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, WV before starting her family. She says her time at Liberty, being able to worship with thousands of other students during convocation was a very memorable experience!
Amy Thornton - Facilitator
Amy is the creator of Beacon News West Virginia and enjoys highlighting exceptional people from around the Mountain State. She is also, along with the other judges listed here, a member of the Fayette County Prayer Group. This 1K+ member organization serves to prayerfully aid the spiritual needs immediate to southern West Virgina as well as to promote Christian related events around the county and beyond.
When the idea to host a writing contest for youth emerged, it seemed like a win-win to partner with other people committed to honoring West Virginia's Christian youth. Amy believes in the power of the written word to move people toward awareness, inspiration and action to promote positive change.
Aside from Beacon News West Virginia, Amy has developed websites for local businesses, created marketing campaigns and written a children's book, "Keep Smilin' " to commemorate her niece's journey with cancer. She enjoys journaling and writing poetry for good mental health.