Longwood Young writers competition
A themed annual writing contest for high school students in Virginia
2025-2026 theme:
reinvention
This year's theme arises from the contest directors' belief in the power of reinvention, of transformation, of letting go of or recreating what no longer serves us.
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However, this theme can be interpreted in any way by the writers. Feel free to play!
We welcome submissions from students living and attending high school throughout Virginia. Homeschooled students are also welcome, with the appropriate mentor contact.
Students in the 9th-12th grades are invited to enter by submitting to one of the following categories:
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Poetry: A group of three poems (one poem per page, not more than 5 pages)
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Fiction: A short story (1,500 words or fewer)
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Nonfiction: A personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer)
And announcing our NEW Modern Language categories!
Modern Language Essay: An original short essay in French, Spanish, or German (1500 words or fewer)
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A winner and two finalists will be selected in each category. There is no entry fee.
All entries must be original work reviewed, approved and sponsored by a high school teacher. We will use your sponsoring teacher as a contact for the competition should we have any questions. For homeschooled students, please contact a mentor to sponsor your writing. The teacher/mentor must complete and attach the required cover sheet.
When to Submit: Submissions will be accepted from February 1 to March 1, 2026.
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How to Submit: Email submissions and required cover sheet as Word attachments to
Please complete the subject line on the email as follows: Genre, Student Name, High School, Grade
Awards & Recognition
Winners will be notified by April 1, 2026. Winners in each category will be awarded $100. All winners and finalists will also receive a certificate of recognition.
The winner and two finalists in each category will be honored at an award reception in late April.
Contact: For additional information or questions, email Mary Carroll-Hackett, Contest Coordinator, carrollhackettma@longwood.edu
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Click here to download the cover sheet
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