Grand Prizes:
$150 for Elementary
$250 for Middle School
$350 for High School
Each original manuscript published as a book.
Each final edit published as a podcast.
For 1st, 2nd and 3rd places: other cash prizes.
Grand Prize and 1st Place winners have each a video clip made on an excerpt of their story.
Grand Prize, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place winners have each their final edit (completed during the workshop series) compiled in an e-book.
To ALL the winners, including those granted Honorary, Achievement and Encouragement Award, Creative Writing Workshops are offered tailored per level. Depending on the placement, a plaque, medal and/or certificate are given.
2022
CONGRATULATIONS to the young writers listed below selected by our judges as outstanding in each level.
GRAND PRIZE
ELEMENTARY
GARRETT Alicia – I Left My Heart In Haiti – Was in 5th grade at Rambam Day School – Teacher: Lori Smith
MIDDLE SCHOOL
AVELLAN Amira – Phantasmagoria – Was in 6th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy – Teacher: Juliana Zapata
HIGH SCHOOL
KAYE Ariana – A Mind of My Own – Was in 10th grade at Ransom Everglades School – Teacher: Frances Alexander
FIRST PLACE
ELEMENTARY
ENRIQUEZ Emilia – The Fire Horse – Was in 3rd grade at Sunset Elementary School – Teacher: Nancy Celdran
tied with
JURKOVICH Aria – Diary of Friends and the Grizzly Adventure – Was in 4th grade at Palmetto Elementary School – Teacher: Alina Lanzas
MIDDLE SCHOOL
KEEDY BROWN Patrick – Diary – Was in 8th grade at Ransom Everglades School – Teacher: Flavia Araripe
HIGH SCHOOL
RAMOS Sara – The Sandmen – Was in 12th grade at Palmer Trinity School
SECOND PLACE
ELEMENTARY
TROIA Ivana – Sid the Sloth – Was in 5th grade at St. Agnes Academy – Teacher: Brittany Gonzalez
MIDDLE SCHOOL
No recipient
HIGH SCHOOL
DAHN Lucia Rose – Downpour – Was in 11th grade at Ransom Everglades Upper School – Teacher: Gila Aloni
tied with
ROMANOV IMBER Sophia – Anya – Was in 10th grade at Ransom Everglades Upper School – Teacher: Corinne Rhyner
THIRD PLACE
ELEMENTARY
ESPINOZA Leonardo – Wizards Return – Was in 5th grade at Pinecrest Elementary School – Teacher: Marilyn Morrison
MIDDLE SCHOOL
ETZBACH Cecile – Forte – Was in 6th grade – Homeschooled
tied with
RAMOS Emilia – Adrenaline Falls – Was in 6th grade at Palmer Trinity School – Teacher: Jackie Taylor
and
TROIA Giulia – Japanese Inn – Was in 8th grade at St. Agnes Academy – Teacher: Miriam Sotolongo
HIGH SCHOOL
BUENO Olivia – Chronicles – Was in 9th grade at Gulliver Preparatory School – Teacher: Ms. Artzt
tied with
DEVINE GUZMAN Siena – A Sad Serendipity – Was in 9th grade at New World School of the Arts – Teacher: Mario Garcia
HONORARY AWARD
ELEMENTARY
AVELLAN Lloyd – The Spider Plague – Was in 4th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy – Teacher: Helen Hernandez
AVELLAN Marcos – Marker & Daniel #2-The Popsicle Problem – Was in 4th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy – Teacher: Ana Vizoso
MIDDLE SCHOOL
ENRIQUEZ Victoria – Happy Pills – Was in 7th grade at Palmer Trinity School – Teacher: Emily Rolling
ESPINOZA Maia – The Killers of the Rose – Was in 7th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School – Teacher: Jacqueline Pinilla
FAJARDO Sebastian – Immigrants – Was in 7thy grade at Conchita Espinoza Academy – Teacher: Jessica Munar
FOX Garrett – What’s Happening to Our World – Was in 8th grade at Ransom Everglades School – Teacher: Shaida Whitley
TSIALAS Christopher – Gerard Dupont’s Last Case – Was in 8th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School – Teacher: Richard Hudson
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
ELEMENTARY
LOCKHART Ulysses – My Mysteries – Was in 4th grade at MCA academy – Teacher: Lara Jonasson
MIDDLE SCHOOL
PILOTO Gianna – The Night of the Firework Show – Was in 7th grade at Conchita Espinoza Academy – Teacher: Jessica Munar
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD
MIDDLE SCHOOL
CARDOSO Alyssa – Monster Hunting 101-A Preview – Was in 6th grade at Conchita Espinoza Academy – Teacher: Ms. White
ESTRADA Sofia – Fire and Ice – Was in 6th grade at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School – Teacher: Adriana Lorenzo-Garcia
POLCINO Martina –Thirteen – Was in 6th grade at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School – Teacher: Adriana Lorenzo-Garcia
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU!
2021
GRAND PRIZE
ELEMENTARY
SANCHEZ Sky – The Winged Adventures – was in 3rd grade at Palmetto Elementary School – Teacher: Lissette DeAlejo
MIDDLE SCHOOL
BUENO Olivia – Implode – was in 8th grade at Gulliver Preparatory School
HIGH SCHOOL
CHAFFINS Emily – Mango – was in 12th grade at Fl. Virtual School
FIRST PLACE
ELEMENTARY
ETZBACH Cecile – Aestivation – was in 5th grade at Pinecrest Elementary School – Teacher: Emily Peruyera
tied with
STUYCK Pia – Mysterious Doors of Merriland – was in 3rd Grade at Coconut Grove Elementary – Teacher: Kate Arsham
MIDDLE SCHOOL
TROIA Giulia – The Whimsical Flower – was in 7th grade at St. Agnes Academy – Teacher: Katherine Greg
HIGH SCHOOL
PAGE Katriona – The Freedom in Flying – was in 11th grade at St. Louis Covenant School – Teacher: Elena Ruiz
SECOND PLACE
ELEMENTARY
AVELLAN Amira – The Valley of Lost Pigeons – was in 5th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy – Teacher: Jeanette Fernandez
tied with
TROIA Ivana – Lob the Ant – was in 5th grade at St. Agnes Academy – Teacher: Salvatore Troia
MIDDLE SCHOOL
ENRIQUEZ Victoria – Killer Love – was in 6th grade at Palmer Trinity School – Teacher: Janet Armenteros
tied with
STARGALA Ronja – Indefinitely – was in 8th grade at Palmetto Middle School – Teacher: Graciela Figueiras
HIGH SCHOOL
DAHN Lucia Rose – What If – was in 10th grade at Ransom Everglades Upper School – Teacher: Shaida Whitley
tied with
RAMOS Sara – To Live – was in 11th grade at Palmer Trinity School – Teacher: Adrienne Mantegna
THIRD PLACE
ELEMENTARY
JURKOVICH Aria – Diary of Friends – was in 3rd grade at Palmetto Elementary School – Teacher: Julie Quesada-Drouin
MIDDLE SCHOOL
CORBIN-CHEAH Zachary – Evan The Dragon Slayer – was in 6th grade at Ransom Middle School – Teacher: Karina Buhler
HIGH SCHOOL
MOGLIA Lucia – Ghosts and Writers – was in 10th grade at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy – Teacher: Edith Diaz
HONORARY AWARD
ELEMENTARY
ESPINOZA VEGA Leonardo – The Tale of the Metalworker – was in 4th grade at Pinecrest Elementary School – Teacher: Karina Penate
MONTEBUGNOLI Benicio – These Are Not My Last Words – was in 5th grade at Ojus Elementary School – Teacher: Sharon Cascante
RAMOS Emilia – A Case of Filthy Thoughts – was in 5th grade at Saint Philips Episcopal Day School – Irine Bustamante
MIDDLE SCHOOL
DEVINE GUZMAN Siena – Inside The House With Nobody In It – was in 8th grade at Carver Middle School – Teacher: Susan Edling-Fletcher
GONZALEZ Paloma – Mami – was in 7th grade at South Miami Middle School – Teacher: Catherine H. Miller
PILOTO Gianna – The Call For Salvation – was in 6th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy – Teacher: Jeremy Haas
HIGH SCHOOL
BUENO Julia – In the Dead of Night, Singing – was in 10th grade at Gulliver Preparatory School – Teacher: Erick Consuegra
KATZ Alexandra – The Karma of Beauty – was in 9th grade at MAST Academy – Teacher: Esperanza Martinez
KAYE Ariana – Baba Ruta – was in 9th grade at Ransom Everglades School – Teacher: Elisabeth Anderson
ROMANOV IMBER Sophia – They Share Hope in Silence – was in 9th grade at Ransom Everglades School – Teacher: James McCrink
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
ELEMENTARY
BLIGH Serina – A Pirate s Chase – was in 5th grade at Pinecrest Elementary School – Teacher: Emily Peruyera
BLIGH Presley – The Alligator Boy – was in 5th grade at Pinecrest Elementary School – Teacher: Emily Peruyera
MIDDLE SCHOOL
ESPINOZA Maia – Captain Jenna Luna Bennett – was in 6th grade at Carver Middle School – Teacher: Jason Jones
FOX Garrett – The Mysterious Key – was in 7th grade at Ransom Middle School – Teacher: Frances Alexander
McCARTHY Moira – Remember – was in 6th grade at Palmetto Middle School – Teacher: Graciela Figueiras
HIGH SCHOOL
OSWALD Anna – Stained – was in 11th grade at Coral Reef Senior High School – Teacher: Charlene Krieger
TSIALAS Athena – CJ in London – was in 10th grade at Ransom Everglades Upper School – Teacher: Matthew Helmers
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD
ELEMENTARY
AVELLAN Llyod – Find The X Thief – was in 4th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
AVELLAN Marcos – Marker and Daniel – was in 4th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
GARRETT Alicia – The Never Ending Flight – was in 4th grade at Temple Beth Am – Teacher: Evan Salzberg
NEMETH Augustine – Golden Friends – was in 3rd grade at MCA academy – Teacher: Maytinee Kramer
NEMETH Oliver – The Yetis – was in 3rd grade at MCA academy – Teacher: Maytinee Kramer
MIDDLE SCHOOL
BARCIA Gabriella – Jungle – was in 7th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy – Teacher: Jessica Munar
CARDENAS Fabian M. – The Dog and The Cat – was in 7th grade – Homeschool
GONZALEZ Lucas – Eran – was in 6th grade at Ransom Middle School – Teacher: Karina Bulher
PENATE Samantha – The Missing Bobo – was in 6th grade at Somerset Academy Silver Palms – Teacher: Stephanie Fernandez
HIGH SCHOOL
NUNEZ Flavia – Sade Town Slashers – was in 11th grade at School for Advanced Studies North – Teacher: Maria Ruiz-Legg
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU!
2020
We THANK everyone who submitted stories. And CONGRATULATIONS to the young writers listed below who were selected by our judges as outstanding in each level.
You can read excerpts, view or buy the books of past winners on the “Stories” page.
GRAND PRIZE
ELEMENTARY Liam PICKENS – The Tale of Blue The Mouse – was in 3rd grade at Temple Beth Am Day School – Teacher: Phil Nathanson
HIGH SCHOOL
Lucia Rose DAHN – Just Maybe – was in 9th grade at Ransom Everglades Upper School – Teacher: Elisabeth Anderson
FIRST PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Ivana TROIA – A Pig’s Flight – was in 4th grade at St. Agnes Academy – Teacher: Ms. Gonzalez
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Giulia TROIA – The Language of Fish – was in 6th grade at St. Agnes Academy– Teacher: Katherine Greg
HIGH SCHOOL – 3 Winners
Paulina ALMADA – Little Liar – was in 10th grade at MAST Academy– Teacher: Otto Zequeira
Lucia MOGLIA – Varrimia – was in 9th grade at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy– Teacher: Catalina Gonzales
Sara RAMOS – The Girl and the Ganesha Figurine – was in 10th grade at Palmer Trinity
SECOND PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Cecile ETZBACH – Enlightened – was in 4th grade at Pinecrest Elementary
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Siena DEVINE GUZMÁN – Ayla’s Window – was in 7th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School – Teacher: Janas Byrd
HIGH SCHOOL
Mena WILLIAMS – The Untold History – was in 11th grade at Coral Gables Senior High School – Teacher: Michelle Zaldivar
THIRD PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Rylie VENTO – A World Awakes – was in 5th grade at Temple Beth Am Day School
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Alexandra KATZ – Beyond Words – was in 8th grade at MAST academy– Teacher: Barbara Quinaz
HIGH SCHOOL
Linda CAO – The Common Senses – was in 12th grade at Coral Reef Senior High– Teacher: Stephanie Wolley-Larrea
HONORARY FINALIST AWARD
ELEMENTARY
Victoria ENRIQUEZ – The Girl Who Drew – was in 5th grade at Riviera Day School
Abbie LUCAS TATIS – Star and the Magical Shell – was in 3rd grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
Emilia RAMOS – Of War and Hope – was in 4th grade at Saint Philips Episcopal Day School
HIGH SCHOOL
Anna Gabriella OSWALD – Murder at La Rose Volante – was in 10th grade at Coral Reef Senior High School
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
ELEMENTARY
Amira AVELLAN – The Smallest Spies – was in 4th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
Alexa DEL CASTILLO – Train Crash – was in 3rd grade
Olivia PICKENS – Thunder Bridge – was in 5th grade at Temple Beth Am Day School
HIGH SCHOOL
Julia BUENO – Carthage – was in 9th grade at Gulliver Academy
Emily CHAFFINS – The Garden – was in 11th grade at Florida Virtual School
Amira McCORMICK – A Dance on the River – was in 10th grade at MAST Academy
Katriona PAGE – The Sunshine Girl – was in 10th grade
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD
ELEMENTARY
Lloyd AVELLAN – Minecraft Journey 1 – was in 3rd grade
Marcos AVELLAN – X School Day 1 – was in 3rd grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
Maia ESPINOZA – The Girls Who Changed Minds – was in 5th grade at Pinecrest Elementary
Lucas P. GONZALEZ – 2077 – was in 5th grade
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Anabella LUDOVIC – A Little Bit Can Mean a Lot – was in 7th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
Andres MOLINA – A Survival Story – was in 7th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
HIGH SCHOOL
Matias CABELLO DEL BOCCIO – Kiwi and Me – was in 9th grade
Danielle LEON – Between Now and Before – was in 10th grade at Terra Environmental Research Institute
Sophia ROMANOV IMBER – A Summer Job – was in 9th grade at Ransom Everglades School
PAST WORKSHOPS
LOCATION: MCA Academy, 2911 Grand Avenue, Suite 500, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 (below the Miami Conservatory of Music)
WORKSHOP Puzzle The Past conducted by Yolande Clark-Jackson
In this signature workshop, participants learn how the past is generally remembered in pieces. How we put those pieces to create a story can be transformative. Participants will be led through a memoir prompt that will allow them to trace back the pieces of a memory of an event and then bring it new meaning in the present. Sharing optional.
Saturday, February 1, 2020
- Current Elementary level: 10:00 – 11:00AM
- Current Middle School and High School levels: 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Yolande is the author of the children’s picture book, Rocko’s Big Launch which won 1st Place in the Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards. She is also an experienced educator who has been teaching middle-grade students for the past eighteen years. In the summer of 2012, she founded a journalism and entrepreneurship program at Conchita Espinosa Academy where students learn all aspects of producing, printing, and distributing a full-color magazine. For the past fifteen years, she has acted as a primary advisor and editor. In 2017, the 50th issue of Conchita Magazine was published and distributed throughout the school and surrounding community. Some of her former students have gone on to work as editors, journalists and photographers for major news networks and publications. Yolande holds a MFA in Creative Writing and has been invited to lead several workshops for children and adults. When not reading or writing, she enjoys traveling and making memories with her family and friends.
CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS conducted by: LAURIE B. FRIEDMAN
Saturday, February 29, 2020
- Current Elementary level: 10:00 – 11:00AM
- Current Middle School level: 11:00AM – NOON
- Current High School level: NOON – 1:00PM
Saturday, April 25, 2020 (Canceled because of COVID-19)
Laurie Friedman is an author of many award-winning picture books, chapter book, and novels for children and Tweens. Laurie writes the popular Mallory McDonald chapter book series for 7-10 year olds. Published by Lerner Publishing Group, the series currently includes 20 titles. Laurie has a new journal format series for older readers entitled, The Mostly Miserable Life of April Sinclair. Laurie has also written many rhyming picture books.
Laurie Friedman says that growing up she always liked reading realistic fiction and still does. “It makes me feel better when I read about a character going through something similar to what I’m going through, and seeing how that character handles the situation.” As an author, nothing makes her happier than when she receives letters from fans telling her that they can really identify with her characters. Growing up, she always kept a journal and often writes about the things that happened to her when she was younger. She also likes to write about things that happened to her own children when they were the ages of her characters.
2019 PAST WINNERS
GRAND PRIZE
ELEMENTARY
Rylie VENTO – If Each Day Was A Person – was in 4th grade at Temple Beth Am – Teacher: Jaime Williams
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Isabella ZIARNO – A Boy Amongst Marching Men – was in 8th grade at Air Base K-8 Center for International Education
HIGH SCHOOL
Nathaniel GORDON – The Room Outside Reality – was in 10th grade at MAST Academy – Teacher: Otto Zequeira
FIRST PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Emilia RAMOS – Golden Chains – was in 3rd grade at Saint Philip’s Episcopal Day School – Teacher: Ms. Nuell
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Julia BUENO – Ouroboros – was in 8th grade at Gulliver Academy – Teacher: Maria Gonzalez
HIGH SCHOOL
Daniella GARCIA-NOVAS – Avian – was in 10th grade at Palmer Trinity – Teacher: TJ Murray
SECOND PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Victoria ENRIQUEZ – The Book – was in 4th grade at Riviera Day School – Teacher: Cheryl Hatfield – Student of Miami Conservatory of Music
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Lucia Rose DAHN – One – was in 8th grade at Gulliver Academy – Teacher: Maria Gonzalez -Student of Miami Conservatory of Music
HIGH SCHOOL
Sara RAMOS – The Sight Of Dreamers – was in 9th grade at Palmer Trinity – Teacher: Kelley Alderman
THIRD PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Paloma GONZALEZ – Aria – was in 5th grade at Ludlam Elementary School
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Valeria MOLEA – Yellow Yarrows – was in 6th grade at MCA academy – Teacher: Christina Lantigua
HIGH SCHOOL
Tristan RIOTTI – A Mystic Oneirology Of Nature, Love, & Peace – was in 9th grade at MCA academy – Teacher: Sam Sullivan
Tie with
Mena WILLIAMS – Red Cabin – was in 10th grade at Coral Gables Senior High School – Teacher: Jowanda Peterson
HONORARY FINALIST AWARD
ELEMENTARY
Amira AVELLAN – Migration – was in 3rd grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
Garrett FOX – My Backyard Came To Life – was in 5th grade at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School
Adi GREENBERG – Color Moods – was in 3rd grade at Temple Beth Am
Henry GREENGRASS – Funny Book’s Not So Funny Adventure – was in 3rd grade at Temple Beth Am
Jordyn HABER – A Day In The Life Of A Stuffed Sloth – was in 3rd grade at Temple Beth Am
Audrey SALTZMAN – Mr. Linden’s Library – was in 4th grade
Ivana TROIA – The Man In The Fridge – was in 3rd grade at St. Agnes Academy
Giulia TROIA – Wish – was in 5th grade at St. Agnes Academy
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Matias CABELLO – Prosciutto – was in 8th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School
Ian FOX – The Craziest Vacation Ever – was in 7th grade at Ransom Everglades School
Alexandra KATZ – A Dream Of Falling Snowflakes – was in 7th grade at MAST Academy
Ariana KAYE – Majestic Wings– was in 8th grade at Ransom Everglades School
Lucia MOGLIA – A 1961 Morning – was in 8th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School
HIGH SCHOOL
Linda CAO – Call Me By My Name – was in 11th grade at Coral Reef Senior High School
Ana G. OSWALD – Überhall (Everywhere) – was in 9th grade at Coral Reef Senior High School
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Nicole NIXON – was in 12th grade at Gulliver Preparatory School
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (by grade order)
ELEMENTARY
Benicio MONTEBUGNOLI – The Lost Dragon-– was in 3rd grade at Ojus Elementary School
Zoe BROWN – Jackson’s Summer Soiree – was in4th grade at Temple Beth Am
Maia ESPINOZA – Under the Rug – was in4th grade
Olivia PICKENS – A Week of Changes – was in4th grade
Moira McCARTHY – Under the Rug – was in 4th grade
Eli TOMASSETTI – Lost in the Light – was in 4th grade
Kamila ALBETO – Beyond the Void – was in 5th grade
Lili LORETTA – Storm – was in 5th grade
Ambar ROJAS – The Cursed Feather – was in 5th grade
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Allegra DE ARMAS – Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Magnificent – was in 6th grade
Liz-Annabelle GUILLAUME – I – Brandy – was in 6th grade
Avenel LEE – An Unexpected Adventure – was in 6th grade
Sofia Alejandra MELENDEZ – Our Canoe – was in 6th grade
Sahana SETHURAMAN – Folding Papers– was in 6th grade
Sophia GONZALEZ ABREU – Piano With Me – was in7th grade
Charlotte BERMAN – Twinning – was in7th grade
Lielle DANIEL – The Great Flood – was in 7th grade
Alessandra MARTINEZ – When Fates Intertwine – was in 7th grade
Angeline MEDINA – The Three Healers – was in 7th grade
Nicole SARDUY – Release – was in 7th grade
Madeline SCHATZ – An Alien’s Guide to Planet 13675A (Earth) – was in 7th grade
Jorge BARRERA FERNANDEZ – 20 Lives Worth of Tears-– was in 8th grade
Sam CRUZ – Factory God – was in 8th grade
HIGH SCHOOL
Miguel CAMACHO – Den Of Memory– was in 10th grade
Emily CHAFFIN – Most Wanted – was in 10th grade
PAST WINNERS
2018
GRAND PRIZE
ELEMENTARY
Sasha BALLERINI – The Bell Tower of Formaggio – was in 4th grade at North Beach Elementary
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Lucia Rose DAHN – Alone – was in 7th grade at Gulliver Academy
HIGH SCHOOL
Alexandra GONGLEWKI – Limbo – was in 11th grade at Palmetto Senior High School
FIRST PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Lili LORETTA – Rose and Percy – was in 4th grade at Somerset Gables West
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sofia PEREZ – Asleep and Nothing More – was in 7th grade at Young Women’s Preparatory Academy
HIGH SCHOOL
Nicole NIXON – True Value – was in 11th grade at Gulliver Preparatory School
SECOND PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Angelina Nicole WILTZ – My Last Hope – was in 5th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sara RAMOS – Thoughts of Gold – was in 8th grade at Palmer Trinity School
HIGH SCHOOL
Bryce JOHNSON – Marble Madness – was in 11th grade at Northwest Christian Academy
THIRD PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Sahana SETHURAMAN – A Perfect Friend – was in 5th grade at Pinecrest Elementary School
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Camilo GARRIDO – Banyan – was in 8th grade at Coral Gables Preparatory Academy
HIGH SCHOOL
Alejandra ALMADA – Precipitation – was in 11th grade at MAST Academy
HONORARY FINALIST AWARD
ELEMENTARY
Mia CUNNINGHAM – The Seven Chairs – was in 4th grade at Pinecrest Elementary School
Garrett FOX – What a Trip! – was in 4th grade at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School
Valentina LANZA – My Friend – was in 5th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
Valeria MOLEA – North – was in 5th grade at MCA academy
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Paulina ALMADA – All Relationships Have Expiration Dates – was in 8th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School
Sam CRUZ – His Havens – was in 7th grade at Southwood Middle School
Nicole GONGLEWSKI – 5:43AM – was in 6th grade at Palmetto Middle School
Alejandra LOPEZ – Inner Secret – was in 7th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
Megan MAGUIRE – Grief – was in 8th grade at Palmer Trinity School
Sofia PORTAL – Benevolent Loneliness – was in 8th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School
HIGH SCHOOL
Arvana MORANCY – Super Loser: Draft One – was in 11th grade at Ebenzer Christian Academy Academy
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
ELEMENTARY
Kamila ALBELO – Lost in Thought – was in 4th grade at Somerset Academy
Amira AVELLAN – The Secret Tunnel – was in 3rd grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
Gabriela BOLANOS – The Third-Floor Bedroom– was in 4th grade at Pinecrest Elementary School
Victoria ENRIQUEZ DIAZ – The Flashlight – was in 3rd grade at Riviera Day School
Cristina ESCARDO – Foxes in the Woods – was in 5th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
Paloma GONZALEZ – Food Fight – was in 4th grade at Ludlam Elementary School
Alexandra Michelle HENNING – Dancing Queens – was in 3rd grade at St. John Neumann Catholic School
Carolina LINFANTE – Candy’s Diary – was in 4th grade at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School
Anabella LUDOVIC – April Brown and The Unusuals – was in 5th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
Margot MAGUIRE – Mami – was in 5th grade at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School
Lilah MURPHY – Dinnertime Stories – was in 3rd grade at St. Patrick School
Florencia NIETO – Black Mask– was in 4th grade at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School
Chiara ORTIZ – My Pet Dragon – was in 5th grade at Coconut Grove Montessori School
Akin SAMILGIL – The Extreme Battle – was in 4th grade at Henry S West Laboratory School
Erman SAMILGIL – The Other Dimension – was in 4th grade at Henry S West Laboratory School
Ronja STARGALA – Two Surprises for Valentine’s Day – was in 5th grade at Pinecrest Elementary School
Giulia TROIA – Orca – was in 4th grade at St. Agnes Academy
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Amelia FOX – One Crazy Project – was in 8th grade at Ransom Everglades School
Lisset IGLESIAS – The Flower – was in 6th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
Joaquim LORASCHI – Flight 555 – was in 8th grade at Palmetto Middle School
Sofia MAYA – A Ways Away From Home – was in 7th grade at Mater Grove Academy
Alejandra LOPEZ – Inner Secret – was in 7th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy
Anna Gabriella OSWALD – Flames and Fury – was in 8th grade at Carver Middle School
Samanta PRO – Mt. Hugo – was in 6th grade at St. Louis Covenant School
Mariel RAMIREZ – Believe in a Second Chance – was in 6th grade at MAST Academy
Ella STERN – The Hunt – was in 6th grade at Scheck Hillel Community School
HIGH SCHOOL
Linda CAO – The Last Note – was in 10th grade at Coral Reef Senior High School
Anna de la O – A Kiss and a Kidney – was in 11th grade at Coral Gables Senior High School
Mena WILLIAMS – Radi Freaks – was in 9th grade at Coral Gables Senior High School
2017
GRAND PRIZE
ELEMENTARY
Valeria MOLEA – Nuts & Berries – was in 4th grade at MCA academy
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Anna Gabriella OSWALD – The Sky’s Blessing – was in 7th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School
HIGH SCHOOL
Bianca SPROUL – Finding Pollen – was in 11th grade at Carollton School of the Sacred Heart
FIRST PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Ian Quinlan FOX – An Unusual Summer Tradition – was in 5th grade at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mia PEHLIVANLAR – Life as Such – was in 7th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School
HIGH SCHOOL
Nicole NIXON – A Whole New World – was in 10th grade at Gulliver Preparatory School
SECOND PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Giulia TROIA – Two Apricots and a Raspberry – was in 3rd grade at St. Agnes Academy
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Lucia MOGLIA – What I Didn’t Know – was in 6th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School
HIGH SCHOOL
Alexandra GONGLEWSKI – Three in a Boat – was in 10th grade in Palmetto High School
THIRD PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Garrett Dillon FOX – The Most Unusual Sailing Race Ever – was 3rd grade in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School
MIDDLE SCHOOL – Two winners
Lucia Rose DAHN – Cascadia – was 6th grade at Gulliver Academy
Ava MILES – A Girl Forgotten – was 7th grade at Palmer Trinity School
HIGH SCHOOL
Alejandra ALMADA – The Chronic Romantic – was 10th grade at MAST Academy
HONORARY FINALIST RECOGNITION
ELEMENTARY
Zeynep AKCAN – Sunk – was 4th grade at Coral Gables Preparatory Academy
Florencia NIETO – Imagination – was 3rf grade at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School
Edgard PADIERNE – The Shadow – was 3rd grade at Sunset Elementary School
Erman SAMILGIL – My Vacation to Marmaris – was in 3rd grade at Henry S. West Lab
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Paulina ALMADA – Lullaby for a Princess – was in 7th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School
Andrea ALTAMIRANO – The Unsolved Mystery of Westport – was in 8th grade at St. Hugh Catholic School
Megan MAGUIRE – Finding Time – was in 7th grade at Palmer Trinity School
Conor MOORE – The Voyage – was in 7th grade at MCA academy
Sofia PORTAL – A Series of Love – was in 7th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School
Mena WILLIAMS – The Labyrinth Treatment – was 8th grade at Ponce de Leon Middle School
HIGH SCHOOL
Fernanda ALTAMIRANO – On the Brink(s) – was in 10th grade at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy
2016
GRAND PRIZE
ELEMENTARY
Madelyn Grace ALTHAGE – Ellie Saves the Zoo – was in 3rd grade at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mia PEHLIVANLAR – The Edge – was in 6th grade at G.W. Carver Middle School
HIGH SCHOOL
Alex GONGLEWSKI – I Appreciate Negative Space – was in 9th grade at Palmetto Senior High School
FIRST PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Logan SHAPIRO – How Hurricanes Came To Be – was in 4th grade at Pinecrest Elementary
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Megan MAGUIRE – Hearing Colors – was in 6th grade at Palmer Trinity School
HIGH SCHOOL
Nicole NIXON – Snow White After Ever After – was in 9th grade at Gulliver Preparatory School
SECOND PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Valeria MOLEA – A Long, Long, Way – was in 3rd grade at MCA academy
Eda TEOMETE – The Adventure of Milly The Mouse – was in 5th grade at Riviera Day School
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ines CORRAL – When Time Stops – was in 6th grade at Ransom Everglades School
HIGH SCHOOL
Bianca SPROUL – Chess – was in 10th grade at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
THIRD PLACE
ELEMENTARY
Maia YEOMANSON – The Magical Tortoise – was in 4th grade at Coconut Grove Montessori School
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Rithm Noel ALVAREZ – Son Rise – was in 6th grade at South Miami Middle School
HIGH SCHOOL
Margaret “Lucy” FARRELL – Monday is Cancer – was in 10th grade at New World School of the Arts
Jordan WONG – Breakout – was in 10th grade at Ransom Everglades School
SPECIAL FINALIST RECOGNITION
ELEMENTARY
Camila HUCK – The Hidden Door – was in 3rd grade at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
Paulina RODRIGUEZ – Just Another Day at the Library – was in 3rd grade at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
Ian FOX – Super Glasses – was in 4th grade at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
Camille LUGO – The Diamonds of Wonders – was in 4th grade at Sunset Elementary School
Mariel RAMIREZ – How the Moon Became to Be – was in 4th grade at Key Biscayne K-8 Center
April KELLY – Invisible – was in 5th grade at Henry S. West Laboratory School
Lucia MOGLIA – The Loaf of Bread – was in 5th grade at Henry S. West Laboratory School
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Paulina ALMADA – The Wondrous Tale of the Dreamcatcher – was in 6th grade at Carver Middle School
Andrea ALTAMIRANO – A Time Travel Mishap – was in 6th grade at St. Hugh Catholic School
Tristan RIOTTI – Rex – was 6th grade at MCA academy
Guy LESSEUR – Ghost Blood – was 7th grade at MCA academy
HIGH SCHOOL
Jamal FULLER – Faces in the Wind – was in 10th grade at Coral Gables Senior High School
Valeria VELA – Haunted – was in 10th grade at Ransom Everglades School
2015
GRAND PRIZE
Megan Maguire (was 5th Grade) “K-K-K-K-Katie”
from St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School. Teacher: Ms. Elyzabeth Schaul, and from Miami Conservatory of Music.
Elizabeth Wooster (was 6th grade) “Half” from Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. English teacher: Ms. Lisette Ruiz.
Isis Arguello (was 11th grade) “The Horror of Our Love” from Mater Academy. English teacher: Ms. Perry Lantz.
Congratulations to Isis who expanded her story and has now her new book published and sold at Barnes & Noble and on Amazon.
FIRST PLACE Two winners in Elementary
Camilo Garrido (was 5th grade) “Opawesome”
from Coral Gables Preparatory Academy. Teacher: Ms. Laura Payne.
Tristan Riotti (was 5th grade) “Maximum Time Travel” from MCA academy. Teacher: Ms. Lara Jonasson, and from Miami Conservatory of Music.
Anna de la O (was 8th grade) “Names and Faces”
from G. W. Carver Middle School. English teacher: Mr. Richard Hudson.
Ryan Guillen (was 10th grade) “Empty Handed”
from Ransom Everglades School. English teacher: Dr. Kathryn Bufkin.
SECOND PLACE
Eda Teomete (was 4th grade) “Cave Family Adventures”
from Coconut Grove Montessori. Teacher: Ms. Yvonne Yeomanson,
Ariadna Gonzalez (was 7th grade) “Alphabet Soup”
from Aventura City of Excellence School. English teacher: Ms. Stacy Mogul.
Rebecca de la O (was 11th grade) “Elysian”
from Coral Gables High School. English teacher: Mr. Preston Payne.
THIRD PLACE
Lucas Carvahlo (was 4th grade) “An Unforgettable Hero”
from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School. Teacher: Ms. Eleni Gracés.
Sidny Hall (was 6th grade)“Stella the Super Spy”
from MCA academy. English teacher: Ms. Christina Lantigua,
and from Miami
Conservatory of Music.
Two winners in High School
Eric Cai (was 10th grade) “Count”
from Ransom Everglades School. English teacher: Dr. Kathryn Bufkin.
Tomer Zilbershtein (was 11th grade) “The Silence of Words”
from Mast Academy. English teacher: Mr. Jared Lutz.
HONORARY AWARD FINALISTS
ELEMENTARY
Emma Arnhols (was 4th grade) “Golden Wing”
from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School. Teacher: Ms. Eleni Garcés.
Zoe Katsoufis (was 3rd grade) “Camp UOTS”
from Alexander Montessori School. Teacher: Mrs. Carlson,
and from Miami
Conservatory of Music.
Graciela León (was 4th grade) “In Black and White”
from Coconut Grove Montessori. Teacher: Ms. Yvonne Yeomanson,
and from Miami Conservatory
of Music.
Nicole Rodriguez (was 5th grade) “Merriwaka Magic”
from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School. Teacher: Ms. Jennie Webster.
Defne Samilgil (was 4th grade) “Strong in the Heart”
from Miami Conservatory of Music.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sophia Medina (was 6th grade) “Pathomirror”
from Jose Marti Mast 6-12 Academy.
Mena Williams (was 6th grade) “Not a Normal Summer Break”
from Ponce de Leon Middle School.
HIGH SCHOOL
Laila Elmottalib (was 10th grade) “The End”
from Mast@FIU. English teacher: Ms. Michelle Reyes.
Valeria Lopez-Trujillo (was 9th grade) “First Impressions”
from Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. English teacher: Mrs. Lourdes Eschmann,
Bianca Sproul (was 9th grade) “A Sky in the Fence”
from Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. English teacher: Ms. Ines Stojsic.
CREATIVITY AWARD
Isabella Leiser (was 4th grade) “Puppy Love” from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School and from Miami Conservatory of Music.
2014
GRAND PRIZE
Graciela León (was 3rd Grade) “The Lucky One”
from Coconut Grove Montessori. Teacher: Ms. Yvonne Yeomanson,
and from Miami Conservatory
of Music.
Quinn Harrelson (was 7th Grade) “A Blank Canvas”
from Ransom Everglades School. English Teacher: Mr. Charlie Housiaux.
Katherine Cohen (was 9th Grade) “Woven”
from Gulliver Preparatory High School. English Teacher: Ms. Inelissa Artzt.
FIRST PLACE
Martin Jaramillo (was 4th grade) “One Man’s Rebellion”
from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School. Teacher: Mrs. Eleni Garcés.
Valeria Lopez-Trujillo (was 8th grade) “Things That Matter”
from Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. English teacher: Ms. Shaune Scott, and from Miami Conservatory of Music.
Two winners in High School
Eric Yinwei Cai (was 9th grade) “Misunderstanding”
from Ransom Everglades School. English teacher: Mrs. Corinne Rhyner.
Ilana Reiser (was 9th grade) “The Tale Of Evadne And Amaris”
from MCA academy. English teacher: Alyse Aquino.
SECOND PLACE
Tristan Riotti (was 4th grade) “Buzzer And The Cosmic Cube”
from MCA academy. Teacher: Ms. Lara Jonasson, and from Miami Conservatory of Music.
Margaret Lucy Farrell (was 8th grade) “Whatever It Takes: Thoughts On Life On A Downtown Bound Train”
from George Washington Carver School. English teacher: Mr. Patrick Redmond.
Cami Carballo (was 11th grade) “Taking Flight”
from Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. English teacher: Ms. Mary Baker.
THIRD PLACE
Andrea Altamirano (was 4th grade) “The City Of Dinosaurs”
from St. Hugh Catholic School. English teacher: Mrs. Maria Muñoz-Bustamante.
Alison Zanarini (was 6th grade)“Moonstone”
from Ransom Everglades School. English teacher: Mrs. Jody Salzinger.
Two winners in High School
Ryan Guillen (was 9th grade) “Everyone Hates The Carnival”
from Ransom Everglades School. English teacher: Ms. Melissa Halsey.
Amanda McKenna (was 9th grade) “From Stores To Sheep”
from Academy of Arts & Minds. English teacher: Ms. Rodriguez.
HONORARY
Elizabeth Wooster (was 5th grade) “The Rainbow Fairies”
from Carrollton School Of The Sacred Heart. Teacher: Ms. Jessica Lampl.
Lauren Zanarini (was 4th grade) “The Wonderful World Of Drawing”
from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School. Teacher: Mrs. Eleni Garcés and from Miami Conservatory of Music.
Jacob Sinclair (was 6th grade) “The Dark Ages”
from MCA academy. English teacher: Ms. Christina Lantigua.
Stephanie Bailey (was 8th grade) “The Dubious Wheel of Fortune”
from MCA academy. English teacher: Mrs. Elyssa Perez.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTARY FINALISTS:
Emma Beharry, Victoria Dahr, Amanda Harris, Isabella Leiser, Leonidas Reimer, Melina Schein, Eleanor Thorman, and Cameron Lindsey (now in Middle School).
2013
GRAND PRIZE
Emma Beharry (was 3rd Grade) “When The Animals Could Talk”
from Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Ms. Julia Connett
Katherine Cohen (was 8th Grade) “Silence’s Sound”
from Carver Middle School, Mr. Patrick Redmond
Hannah Junco (was 12th Grade) “I Remember”
homeschooled
FIRST PLACE
Madison Forrest (was 3rd grade) “How Mustaches Were Brought To Humans”
from Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Ms. Julia Connett
Ryan Guillen (was 8th grade) “Rottweilers, Stop Signs and Handcuffs”
from Ransom Everglades School, Ms. Weiss
Two winners in High School
Iona Hennessy (was 9th grade) “Glass”
from Coral Gables Senior High School, Ms. Vidal
Sarah Lipshultz (was 10th grade) “What Would You Do If You Knew You Could not Fail?”
from Palmer Trinity, Ms. Catie Cunning
SECOND PLACE
Sidny Sigurlin-Hall (was 3rd grade) “A Flash Into The Future”
from Ludlam Elementary, Ms. Joan Levine
Fernanda Altamirano (was 6th grade) “The Calling Within A Dream”
from St. Hugh School, Mr. Lazaro Suarez
Tori Lutz (was 11th grade) “Picture Perfect”
from Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Ms. Lyana Azan
THIRD PLACE
Andrea Altamirano (was 3rd grade) “The Legend Of The Dark Side Of The Moon”
from St. Hugh School, Ms. Gail Gomez
Noa Lesche (was 6th grade) “The World Seen”
from Carver Middle School, Ms. Emily Wilson
Camila Carballo (was 10th grade) “The Final Mission”
from Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Ms. Lyana Azan
SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO THE OTHER FINALISTS
Elementary: Audrey Harrelson, Emily Lawrence, Kiana Perez-Ulivi, Adriana Tarridas, Eleonor Thorman and Shelby Wooster
Middle: Stephanie Bailey, Alexander Behar, Lucie Farrell, Quinn Harrelson, Madeleine Jolie and Amanda Monteiro
High School: Madison Navas-Curson
2012
GRAND PRIZE
Sophia Capote (3rd Grade) “Slow-po’s Story”
from ST. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School, Ms. Molly Brown
Katherine Cohen (8th Grade) “Hope Amongst Ashes”
from Carver Middle School, Mr. Patrick Redmond
Tori Lutz(11th Grade) “Restless”
from Carrollton School, Ms. Mary Ann Baker
FIRST PLACE
Adriana Tarridas (5th grade) “The Unexpected”
from Sunset Elementary, Mr. Juan Carlos Arana
Quinn Harrelson (6th grade) “Alexander’s Healing Plant”
from Ransom Everglades School, Mrs. Judy Salzinger
Melanie Monteiro (10th grade) “2112″
from Immaculata-La Salle High School , Ms. Wilson
SECOND PLACE
Cameron Lindsey (4th grade) “A Bed Time Story About Shape-Shifters”
from St. Phillip’s Episcopal School, Ms. Bird and Ms. de la Fuente
Margaret Lucy Farrell (7th grade) “The Great Imagination Of Kaz”
from Carver Middle School, Ms. Jacqueline Pinilla
Matthew Zayas – Bazán (9th grade) “The Year 2112 Predicted”
was from Carver Middle School, Mr. Patrick Redmond, entered Coral Reef, Mrs. Padmore
THIRD PLACE
Mena Williams(5th grade) “The Black Sparrow”
from Coconut Grove Elementary, Ms. Nancy Marmesh
Eric Cai (8th grade) “Viper Society”
from Ransom Everglades School, Mrs. Judy Salzinger
Lia Williams (12th grade) “A Better Future”
from MCA academy, Ms. Elyssa Perez
HONORARY AWARD
Gabriella Dotres (5th Grade) “Mickey Blue: The Day He Pranked Lawyer Blue”
from MCA academy, Mrs. Lara Jonasson
2011
GRAND PRIZE
Massimo TARRIDAS (6th Grade) “The Talking Furniture”
from Sunset Elementary, Mr. Juan Carlos Arana, Current: Carver Middle School, Ms. Elynn Gayol
FIRST PLACE
Margaret Lucy FARRELL (6th grade) “A Mixed Up Fairy Tale”
from St. Hugh Catholic School, Mrs. Maria Munoz – Bustamante
Ryan GUILLEN (7th grade) “The Shady Man”
from Ransom Everglades School, Mrs. Judy Salzinger
Max CARVAJAL (8th grade) “Strange Visitor”
from Carver Middle School, Ms. Emily Wilson
SECOND PLACE
Stephanie BAILEY (6th grade) “The Adventure Of Milly”
from MCA Academy, Ms. Lara Jonasson
Annie FARRELL (7th grade) “Hall Of Mirrors”
from Carver Middle School, Mr. Jason Jones
Maximiliam KONCZA ODDONE (8th grade) “Reawakening”
from Carver Middle School, Ms. Emily Wilson
THIRD PLACE
Sofia ANTUNES SIEDEL (6th grade) “For Sale”
from Sunset Elementary, Ms. Liliana Piedra
Ashley LEMUS (7th grade) “Isis”
from Carver Middle School, Ms. Emily Wilson
Sarah LIPSHULTZ (8th grade) “The Unexpected Ending”
from McGlannan School, Ms. Suarez
HONORARY AWARDS
Eric CAI (7th Grade) “Mind Tricks”
from Ransom Everglades School, Mrs. Judy Salzinger
Thomas DE MAISONNEUVE (8th Grade) “A Birthday Wish”
from Carver Middle School, Ms. Emily Wilson