Carol Wobig of Milwaukee for "Love"

In her essay, Wobig takes the reader to a convent, where the Mistress of Postulants reads all in-coming and out-going letters, attempting to block out love or anything that has to do with love. When a new postulant writes a letter to a friend about a thin, beautiful, intelligent mistress at the convent, the Mistress of Postulants mistakenly believes that the young woman is writing about her. "Particular friendship, that's the phrase we used to describe these things in the convent. Particular friendships. Just crushes on one another."

Judge Leigh Anne Jasheway-Bryant said, "Love presents a unique story, grabs the reader from the opening line, and delivers consistent humor throughout. Ending each paragraph with a punch line takes talent."

Chris Durski of Waukesha for "Whose Life Is It?"

In her essay, Durski recounts her children's displeasure when she announces her plans to move to another town.

Lorraine Hawkinson of Oregon for "The Tight Squeeze"

Hawkinson presents an embarrassing situation when a tow truck has to be called to help her get her car, parked too close to the wall, out of her garage.

JoAnn Jones Opsahl of Merrill

Opsahl analyzes her husband's snoring, comparing the different sounds to melodies.