Inuvik (Feb 04/05) - The creative writers at Sir Alexander Mackenzie school enjoyed an expanded audience for their short story and poetry efforts last week.

On Thursday, CBC North was on hand at SAMS' weekly literacy lunch to record selected students' writing as part of its Literacy Week coverage.

"It's important to encourage literacy and to get kids to express themselves," said reporter Mark Winkler.

As for the budding creative writers at SAMS, they were more than willing to share their stories with the Northern radio audience.

"The best part about going on the radio is talking on the microphone," said Nita Allen after reading two of her stories, Hello Sun and The Snow.

Not to be outdone by the two so-called professional journalists, Nita took control of the microphone and started questioning "The Drum Guy" on some of the tough issues.

"So why do you like to be a reporter?" she asked.

Having been on the radio once before, Nita's sister Shanna Allen took it all in stride, but not before retelling the story of her past brush with fame.

"The first time Mark asked me what it would be like if the high school was beside SAMS," she said.

"And I said it would be cool because we could pick up our brother after school and at lunch."

And what story did she read for the radio?

"It's called In School. We had a party in class on Dec. 17 and it's about that," Allen said.

"I'm excited to hear myself and so my mom and dad can hear and they'll be excited."