"This writing contest was truly a remarkable way to express my feelings. If you find the
feeling in your soul to want to become a writer, use this contest as a stepping stone to
become a better one. Upon entering the contest, I've had an overwhelming sense of
accomplishment and I feel the need to pass it on to someone else! Thanks Young Writers
of America, for an unforgettable experience!"
BreAnna Smith
Miller Magnet Middle School
"Thank you so much for giving me a chance. I love to write, but I never thought about
poetry before. Actually I want to go to college to be a journalist or an author. No one else
from my school got a letter like me! This was the first step to what I want to do, thank you!"
Julie Alter
Freehold Township Elementary
"This contest has been an awesome experience for all the children in my class, whether
they were chosen to be in the published copy or just entering the contest by writing a poem
from their hearts. Knowing that the people who run this contest do this on their own time
is very much appreciated, thank you for all your time and effort bringing these children's
dreams to fruition."
Barbara Stern
Proud Teacher - Devon Aire K-8 Center
"Young Writers of America brings recognition and encouragement to the talented young
writers by holding this contest, publishing the best poems and opening new doors to their
future."
Mrs. Endri
Proud Parent of contestant Hannah Endri
"Too often I see young minds melting at the thought of completing another writing
assignment for their instructor. Changing their point of view is as simple as giving them
back the mantle, allowing them to maintain ownership over their pieces. Publishing for a
purpose beyond a grade in the class brings them into the reality that the writing workshops
we do were never meant to confine them to the walls of our classroom. Thank you for
helping me to give them greater perspective."
Tammy Notehelfer
Explorer Middle School Teacher
"There are few better ways to ramp up the pride of your parents! Well worth the effort
of submitting your pieces."
Edmund Colell
Palo Verde School
"This contest is a stepping stone for any aspiring young writer, I am so glad I entered!
I think it is amazing that youth such as myself are getting a chance to express ourselves."
Keegan Hughes
Desert Foothills Jr. High School
"This contest has truly had a large impact on my writing. I am now more focused to strive
harder in school! It has given me more confidence to get my writing out there and be
recognized. I am among some terrific students who have been honored for their poetry,
and am very grateful for that. Thanks for your support and recognition!"
Lize Encinas
Alice Vail Middle School
"I want to thank the judges of the Young Writers Contest. I was very excited and honored
to be chosen as the Grand Prize Winner. I also want thank my teacher, Mrs. Hall, for telling
me about the contest."
Faith Markley
Jennings Elementary School
"I think this contest is a great way for kids to get a chance to express themselves through
writing. It encourages young minds to develop feelings and ideas and share them with other
kids from different school. I really enjoyed participating in this contest because it gave me
the opportunity to tell in a poem how I feel about the environment. I am very happy you
chose my poem for an Honorable Mention Winner, thank you!"
Veronica Webber
2009 Honorable Mention Winner
"This contest was great because I enjoyed listening to the poems that my classmates wrote.
It felt wonderful to see how excited they were when I won Division I."
Madeline Smith
Wilson Elementary School
"I am proud of my few students who were published. Thank you once again for the
opportunity to participate. We look forward to getting involved this coming school year."
Rose Corso
Tonasket Elementary School Teacher
"I thought the Young Writers contest was a great opportunity to share my poem with the
rest of my peers. Now that I am going to be a published author, it has made me more
dedicated to my work. It is such an honor to be recognized for my piece of literature.
Thank you Young Writers of America!"
Krisha Pathak
Ashton Ranch Elementary School
"This experience really got my mind working. I am proud that I got an Honorable Mention
and that I am published in the book!"
Ryan Condra
Sope Creek Elementary School
"The Young Writer's contest is a great way to express your feelings on a certain subject,
depending on the theme given. It's fun and enjoyable. If you take time to work for success
you will become a great writer one day!"
Yian Ni
Stevenson Elementary School
"This was SUCH an experience, winning this contest. This has given me the confidence to
keep writing and submitting poetry into contests. Keep writing, Young Writers!"
Cassie Wise
2010 Grand Prize Winner - John F. Ryan Elementary
"I have to say, of all the writing contest I've entered, this has to be my favorite. It was a
great opportunity to have my work published in an authentic way, and the contest was very
rewarding, whether you took first place or not. I strongly suggest that everyone with
creativity, originality, or a talent at writing should participate."
Isabelle Wynn
2010 Honorable Mention Winner
"Young Writers of America is a great way to express yourself!! We should always let the
world know what we’re thinking. You would be surprised at who is listening."
Jay Walick
Proud Parent of 2010 Author Laura Walick
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"Let me take this opportunity to thank you for choosing my daughter’s poem, you made her
very proud and gave her the incentive to keep on writing. Her dream is to become a writer and illustrator, and having her poem published has made her realize that success is possible when
one perseveres. You are doing a great thing for children all over this country."
Maria Casares-Weber
Proud Parent of 2010 Author Veronica Webber
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"My students were ecstatic after having received notification that their poetry would be
published. The thought of someday reading to their own offspring, from a book of poems
that included their own work, was mind-blowing."
Larry Petras
Proud Teacher - 2010 Contest