Franklin, NC—Tyler Cook, Franklin native, was the recipient of the Outstanding Student Achievement Award for his writing of A Guide to Historic Dillsboro on April 23 at the Western Carolina University’s Center for Service Learning award ceremony.
“I was blown away when they announced my team and me as the winners,” Cook stated. “I was so humbled to know that my work has made an impact in the community.”
A Guide to Historic Dillsboro was a collaboration between Cook and classmates, Michael Lovett and Susan Shelton, for their senior project in Public Relations Campaigns, taught by Dr. Betty Farmer. In the seven months that it took them to write and publish the book, they met with members of the Dillsboro community, recording stories that commemorated the town’s 125th anniversary last September.
Since the release of the book, $1600 have been raised. The profits of the book go to the Appalachian Women’s Museum, located in Dillsboro.
In addition to A Guide to Historic Dillsboro, Cook has written and published a novel titled The One. Cook is currently writing his second novel. All books can be purchased at Books Unlimited in Franklin.
“I am so thankful for A Guide to Historic Dillsboro because it got me in the writing mindset. It was the start of my writing career, and I’ll always be grateful for it,” Cook said.
For more information, email Moonshine Press at moonshinepressnc@gmail.com or visit Cook’s website at http://www.tylermcook.com.