Congratulations to Highland Middle School eighth-grader Eliza Ladd and seventh-grader Katie Critchett, both of whom placed during the Northeast Ohio Regional Power of the Pen Tournament Feb. 23 at Kent State University.

Eliza placed third, while Katie placed sixth. Both now advance to the state tournament, which will be held in May at the College of Wooster.

Eliza is the daughter of Randy and Susan Ladd, of Granger, and Katie is the daughter of Heath and Kelly Critchett, of Hinckley Township.

Now in its 33rd year, Power of the Pen is Ohio’s award-winning educational enhancement program devoted to excellence in creative writing at the middle school level.