Southeast Region

Including Athens, Belmont, Coshocton, Fairfield, Gallia, Guernsey, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas, Vinton, and Washington Counties

Regional Director:
Paula McWilliams
paula.mcwilliams@powerofthepen.org
740-405-7423

Registration is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Register for one District event only.

Southeast District 1

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Claymont Middle School

215 E 6th St.

Uhrichsville, OH 44683

Coordinator: Alisha Mahaffey

Or

Southeast District 2

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Licking Heights Middle School

4000 Mink St.

Pataskala, OH 43062

Coordinator: Angela Bennett

Qualifiers from both events will advance to:

Southeast Regional Tournament

Friday, March 13, 2026

Ohio University - Lancaster

1570 Granville Pike

Lancaster, OH  43130

Coordinator: Paula McWilliams

Who's Going

Paula McWilliams

Paula is a retired classroom teacher from St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic School in Gahanna. She most recently taught 6th and 7th grade social studies, but previously spent 20 years teaching 6th grade ELA.

Paula began her association with Power of the Pen 25 years ago as a team coach, a role that that still brings joy and excitement. She also has worked as a computer tabulator for many years at tournaments throughout the state as well as performing in that capacity at several state tournaments.

Other school responsibilities included being the coordinator for the school spelling bee and coaching students for the school speech competition.

Paula earned Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Public Relations and Masters in Education degrees from Ohio State University.

Paula has been affiliated with student travel programs and has enjoyed introducing students to foreign cultures all over the world. She also enjoys watching sports, sewing, cooking, photography, and spending time with her family. She lives with her husband, Bill, in Hebron, Ohio.