Spotlighting emerging youth voices
This year’s 2024 Finalists share writing that expresses individuality, strong voice, and deep meaning. Their impressive imagery and creative content engage readers with the writing that shines throughout their submissions.
Celebrate these exciting writers!
Spotlight: Summer Selection
From our summer finalists, we select one piece to highlight as our Summer Selection. This year’s selection, “Potential and Place,” builds connections, flowing from potential to purpose.
The author develops rich, complex comparisions, shuttling between images of nature and composition, as the narrator struggles to define a sense of direction and meaning. The author merges images from nature and art to show the connections and community that allow us to make meaning of our words. From the potential of the “scattered page” and “a random word” comes a sense of meaning and purpose. The writer concludes the poem confidently and powerfully, stating:
“And I find a place
In words, of words, by words
And my potential is
Unleashed.”
by Janani K.
Spotlight: Honorable Mention – Grade Level
3rd – 5th Grade
by Anika J.
An outstanding science fiction story that takes civilization and humanity to the brink, yet finds hope and recovery.
6th – 8th Grade
by Noelani K.
This powerful and deeply emotional story reveals the pain of being cut off by a friend, giving voice to all those who have felt “ghosted.”
9th – 12th Grade
by Carmela B.
A stylish caper, an earnest detective, and a surprising criminal – this short story features excellent word choice, descriptive language, and a successful plot twist. Enjoy!
Spotlight: Finalists
The impressive submissions that made it to the Finalist stage are organized in alphabetical order by author first name.
by Abraham L.
by Aeriella C.
by Aiden H.
Warning: This piece includes mature content including violence. May not be suitable for all readers.
by Chloe T.
The Princess and The Crown: Chapter One, The Girl
by Dakota C.
by Ellie N.
Warning: This piece includes mature content and may not be suitable for all readers.
by Sarayu P.
by Yoshi R.
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