Smith-Barnes Elementary School fifth-grader Santana Bryant of Stockbridge loves to write.

  She said her abilities in that area have tested the limits of her mind, one story at a time.

  “I used to write little stories when I was in first grade,” said Santana. “But when I was in third grade, I realized how much stronger I had become when it came to my imagination.”

  Santana, who turned 11 on New Year’s Eve, recently represented her school in the second level of a writing competition, which she won. She has advanced to the regional competition, which will be held in Griffin in early 2019.

  “During the writing competition, they gave us these simple problems, and we had to think about how to explain what was going on without making it completely boring,” she said.

  Santana has tried her hand at writing in multiple genres, including fantasy and science fiction. What she enjoys most about it, she said, is that it allows her to express herself.

  “You can add your own little touch to make it unique,” said Santana.

  Santana added that she is excited about the upcoming regional competition, though she acknowledged that she sometimes gets nervous at such events. Still, she appreciates the support she has received from the faculty and staff at Smith-Barnes Elementary.

  As for what her future holds, Santana remains torn between her two favorite fields of study.

  “I’ve always wanted to be an author when I grow up,” said Santana. “But, if I don’t have a chance, I’d like to do something with math. I’m very passionate about writing and math.”

  Her mother, Angela Bryant, said Santana’s abilities have been evident for several years.

  “She’s always been in the Talented and Gifted program at Smith-Barnes Elementary,” said Bryant. “In third grade, that’s when we first noticed her imagination skills. When she started learning grammar and sentence structure, that’s when we learned she had an aptitude and the imagination for her writing skills.”

  Bryant emphasized that her daughter’s intellect is not confined to her writing. Santana, the mother said, has represented her school in math competitions previously and is set to do so again in the near future.

  “She went to a math competition at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus, Ga., in March of 2018,” said Bryant. “They’ve chosen her to represent the school again this year.”

  Dr. LaSynge Guyton is a Title I instructional lead teacher at Smith-Barnes Elementary, who has taught Santana in the past. Guyton expressed her “great pleasure and a resounding sense of pride” in the child’s accomplishments.

  “Santana is an exceptional student who loves to write and has had a foundation for writing since we first met more than five years ago,” said Guyton. “What makes Santana’s writing extremely unique is what she brings to the table as an individual. She is creative, self-motivated and has the ability to think outside of the proverbial box.”

  Guyton marveled at the “amazing stories” Santana has created through her writing over the years, and said the youngster’s greatest masterpiece is “yet to be revealed.”

  “She is an unconventional thinker and possesses the craft of creative writing, the ability to delve deeper, and has the skills necessary to demonstrate her thoughts throughout her writing,” said Guyton. “Santana is an explosive novelist, with a vivid imagination and an eye for detail. She deserves this great honor, and I know this is simply the tip of the iceberg that will be the first of many great achievements.”