LEWISTON – A high school junior here is among the 13 finalists in a contest to be judged by horror writer Stephen King, his prolific wife Tabitha, and novelist Richard Russo.

Isla Hansen’s short story “Fiddler Boy” was one of 420 entries to the Maine Community College System’s Journey into Writing Contest last winter. Essays, poems and short stories came from 103 different high schools, all from juniors.

Hansen’s story is about an Irish boy, Fennel Haynsworth, his quitting the school orchestra and townspeople’s reaction to what they consider a rash decision. Fennel would rather play fiddle than violin.

The semifinalists will join Gov. John Baldacci and the judges at a luncheon May 26, where three finalists will be named Maine’s “Young Writers of the Year.”

Semifinalists receive $100 each, the winners $2,500 each.