HALLOWELL – Maine authors Richard Russo, Linda Greenlaw and Wesley McNair will join Gov. John E. Baldacci and sponsors of a Journey Into Writing – a statewide writing contest for high school juniors – to announce Maine’s three “Young Writers of the Year” at a luncheon ceremony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, at Maple Hill Farm Inn and Conference Center.

Baldacci will make remarks and recognize the eight semi-finalists, who will each receive $100 and a plaque.

After lunch, Baldacci and the contest judges will announce the three winners, who will receive $2,500.

The contest is run by the Maine Community College System and President John Fitzsimmons and Maine Education Commissioner Susan Gendron will offer remarks.

The eight semi-finalists are: Siobhan Anderson of Newcastle, North Yarmouth Academy; Emma Albright of South Freeport, Freeport High School; Cassandra Jensen of Lewiston, Lewiston High School; Lauren Landry of Lewiston High School; Lauren Rodrigue of Lewiston High School; Emily Shinay of Scarborough High School; Kinsey Tarbell of Cape Elizabeth High School; and Erin Watson of Limestone, Maine School of Science and Mathematics.

The semi-finalists’ stories can be viewed on MaineToday.com: 20 Below, and the contest Web site at www.mccs.me.edu. The winning entries will appear in the Maine Sunday Telegram on June 4.

The contest received 214 entries from 74 high schools. The semifinalists were selected by a review committee from the Maine Community College System.