Storytelling Olympics

In 2005 and 2006, Alex was selected out of hundreds of contestants as a finalist in his age division for the National Youth Storytelling Showcase in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival included storytelling workshops, activities and performances with both professional tellers and some of the nation's best storytelling youth. In 2005 he was named "Torchbearer" for his age group based on both storytelling and ambassador skills.

Alex and his friend, Will

Alex was again selected as a finalist for the 2007 National Youth Storytelling Showcase in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This is his third consecutive year as a finalist and he is anxious to go back to see old friends as well as to make new ones!

All the Finalists in 2006

Alex loved listening to and learning from the tellers at the Smoky Mountain Festival. His favorite part of Nationals both years was the friends that he made. A lot of the kids in 2006 were returning from 2005 and he couldn't wait to see them. He also made many new friends as well. The city of Pigeon Forge treats the kids very well. One of Alex's favorite things was the night that everyone went to Boyd's Bear Country, a festival sponsor. They served a great dinner and the kids all had fun at the bear-building workshop and riding the escalators!

Alex and Ryan Making Bears