Write on the River and NCW Libraries are happy to announce and congratulate the winners of the 15th annual High School Writing Competition.
Librarians from across the region and members of NCW Libraries’ Teen Library Council judged the competitive entries and chose three students to share the $200 cash award, sponsored by Write on the River, for their original short fiction writing.
First Place
“Origin of the Alchemist” by Else Haske, Freshman at Wenatchee High School
“I have been writing short stories and comics since first grade. I enjoy reading, biology, and like to use storytelling in my art and in my Dungeons and Dragons games. I am planning on becoming a professional writer once I graduate from high school.”
Praise from the Judges:
“Origin of the Alchemist” stood out for its ambitious worldbuilding, vivid imagery, and strong sense of mythology. The author created an awesome and compelling atmosphere and handled the fantasy elements with confidence, making the story feel immersive and cinematic.
Honorable Mentions
“The Eleven Pound Astronaut” by Yesenia Madrigal-Williams, Junior at Cascade High School in Leavenworth
“I am proud to call myself a writer, and I enjoy authors like Cormac McCarthy and William Golding who are able to put the worst and best of humanity onto a page. In school, I am a Junior Editor for the CHS newspaper and yearbook, one-time published writer in the Leavenworth Echo, and member of the CHS Knowledge Bowl team. My favorite quote from Blood Meridian is: “Your heart’s desire is to be told some mystery. The mystery is that there is no mystery.””
Praise from the Judges:
“The Eleven Pound Astronaut” was imaginative, heartfelt, and full of personality, blending a unique perspective and emotion in a way that made the narrator feel authentic and engaging. The story’s voice was one of its greatest strengths, carrying the reader through both the whimsical and more vulnerable moments with charm and sincerity.
“The Painter” by May Hinderer, Sophomore at Waterville High School
“Writing has always been a big part of my life, from making my own books in elementary school to now journaling daily. I feel like it’s a way I can easily express myself and clear my thoughts. While writing this short story, I took inspiration from many pieces of literature that I have read, with one of the main ones being the Bible. I want to thank my English teacher, Mrs. Ward, for introducing me to this opportunity and encouraging me to continue to write.”
Praise from the Judges:
“The Painter” was emotionally resonant and conceptually creative, with a memorable premise and thoughtful exploration of creation, perfection, and humanity. The prose was polished and lyrical, and the symbolic imagery gave the story a reflective, almost fable-like quality.
The judges would also like to recognize the following stories:
“The Song of Lark” by Trinity Doreopens PDF file , Senior in Oroville
“No Return” by Grace Hodgesopens PDF file , Junior at Cashmere High School
“Pandora” by Julia Marxopens PDF file , Sophomore at Waterville High School
“A Book for a Dandelion” by PJ Bujandaopens PDF file , Senior at Royal High School in Royal City
This year’s entries came from student writers in grades 9th-12th from a wide range of communities within the NCW Libraries’ five-county service area including Cashmere, Curlew, Ephrata, Leavenworth, Moses Lake, Oroville, Peshastin, Quincy, Royal City, Tonasket, Waterville, Wenatchee.
New York Times best-selling author Chelsea Cain, after visiting Wenatchee as a 2011 Write on the River Conference keynote speaker, initiated the competition. Write on the River continues to sponsor the annual competition.
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