Longwood Young writers competition
A themed annual writing contest for high school students in Virginia
2026-2027 theme:
Connection
This year's theme arises from the contest directors' understanding and awareness of the complex nature of 'connection' in today's world, especially for young people. But it is also rooted in our unshaking belief in human connection, and in the power of art to create connection, often when we need it most.
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)
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. All entries must have been created without any use of AI, including prompts. 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, 2027.
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, 2027. 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 and their selected submissions will be published in a Longwood University-associated publication (to be announced).
Contact: For additional information or questions, email Mary Carroll-Hackett, Contest Coordinator, carrollhackettma@longwood.edu
Click here to download the cover sheet