Give students at Clanton Intermediate School paper and a pencil, and chances are, they will give back an award-winning piece of children’s literature.

The school held its annual Young Authors’ Conference on Friday and recognized 18 students for books they wrote and illustrated.

Special guests were children’s author and illustrator David Biedrzycki and illustrator Meredith Johnson, who spent the morning talking to students about their work.

“We always have a luncheon, and all the winners get to eat lunch with the authors and illustrators,” said Pam Carmichael, program helper and retired teacher. “It’s a big deal. They work real hard.”

The following students received awards for best story or best illustrations this year:

Fifth grade, best story

•First place, Jordan Johnson

•Second place, Lauren Hay

•Third place, Georgia Simpson

Fifth grade, best illustrations

•First place, Ellen Robinson

•Second place, Carrie Beaver

•Third place, Kensley Headley

Fourth grade, best story

•First place, Sara Kate Emmerich

•Second place, Phillip Guin

•Third place, Darren Campbell

Fourth grade, best illustrations

•First place, Vivian Sierra

•Second place, Olga Ortiz

•Third place, Michael Ortigoza

Third grade, best story

•First place, Anna Grace Baker

•Second place, Kelsey Cleckler

•Third place, Caleb Wilkins

Third grade, best illustrations

•First place, Taylor Schumann

•Second place, Wesley McGhar

•Third place, Laken Flowers