Winners

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 Crashwas 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 1was 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 Storywas 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 Beforewas in 10th grade at Terra Environmental Research Institute

Sophia ROMANOV IMBER – A Summer Jobwas 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)

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Workshop MS
Workshop La Plume HS

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 Paperswas 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 Memorywas 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

Cover Nuts & Berries

ELEMENTARY

Valeria MOLEANuts & Berries – was in 4th grade at MCA academy

Cover The Sky's Blessing

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Anna Gabriella OSWALD – The Sky’s Blessing – was in 7th grade at George  Washington Carver Middle School

Cover Finding Pollen

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 PEHLIVANLARLife as Such – was in 7th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School

HIGH SCHOOL
Nicole NIXONA Whole New World – was in 10th grade at Gulliver Preparatory School

SECOND PLACE

ELEMENTARY
Giulia TROIATwo Apricots and a Raspberry – was in 3rd grade at St. Agnes Academy

MIDDLE SCHOOL
Lucia MOGLIAWhat I Didn’t Know – was in 6th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School

HIGH SCHOOL
Alexandra GONGLEWSKIThree in a Boat – was in 10th grade in Palmetto High School

THIRD PLACE

ELEMENTARY
Garrett Dillon FOXThe Most Unusual Sailing Race Ever – was 3rd grade in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School

MIDDLE SCHOOL – Two winners
Lucia Rose DAHNCascadia – was 6th grade at Gulliver Academy

Ava MILES – A Girl Forgotten – was 7th grade at Palmer Trinity School

HIGH SCHOOL
Alejandra ALMADAThe Chronic Romantic – was 10th grade at MAST Academy

HONORARY FINALIST RECOGNITION

ELEMENTARY
Zeynep AKCANSunk – was 4th grade at Coral Gables Preparatory Academy

Florencia NIETOImagination – was 3rf grade at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School

Edgard PADIERNEThe Shadow – was 3rd grade at Sunset Elementary School

Erman SAMILGILMy 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 ALTAMIRANOThe Unsolved Mystery of Westport – was in 8th grade at St. Hugh Catholic School

Megan MAGUIREFinding Time – was in 7th grade at Palmer Trinity School

Conor MOOREThe Voyage – was in 7th grade at MCA academy

Sofia PORTALA Series of Love – was in 7th grade at George Washington Carver Middle School

Mena WILLIAMSThe Labyrinth Treatment – was 8th grade at Ponce de Leon Middle School

HIGH SCHOOL
Fernanda ALTAMIRANOOn the Brink(s) – was in 10th grade at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy

2016

GRAND PRIZE

Ellie Saves The Zoo cover

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 MOLEAA Long, Long, Way – was in 3rd grade at MCA academy

Eda TEOMETEThe Adventure of Milly The Mouse – was in 5th grade at Riviera Day School

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Ines CORRALWhen Time Stops – was in 6th grade at Ransom Everglades School

HIGH SCHOOL

Bianca SPROULChess – was in 10th grade at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart

THIRD PLACE

ELEMENTARY  

Maia YEOMANSONThe Magical Tortoise – was in 4th grade at Coconut Grove Montessori School

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Rithm Noel ALVAREZSon Rise – was in 6th grade at South Miami Middle School

HIGH SCHOOL

Margaret “Lucy” FARRELLMonday is Cancer – was in 10th grade at New World School of the Arts

Jordan WONGBreakout –  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

K-K-K-K-Katie Cover

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.

Half Cover

  Elizabeth Wooster (was 6th grade) “Half”                                                                                         from Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. English teacher: Ms. Lisette Ruiz.

Horror of our Love Cover

  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

Graciela Leon's cover - The Lucky One -

GRAND PRIZE
  Graciela León
 (was 3rd Grade) The Lucky One
from Coconut Grove Montessori. Teacher: Ms. Yvonne Yeomanson,                                                   and from Miami Conservatory of Music.

IMG_2119  A Blank Canvas

  Quinn Harrelson (was 7th Grade) A Blank Canvas
from Ransom Everglades School. English Teacher: Mr. Charlie Housiaux.

IMG_2117  Woven

  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). 

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2013

IMG_2125  When The Animals

GRAND PRIZE
  Emma Beharry
  (was 3rd Grade) “When The Animals Could Talk”
from Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Ms. Julia Connett

IMG_2123  Silence's Sound

  Katherine Cohen (was 8th Grade) “Silence’s Sound”
from Carver Middle School,  Mr. Patrick Redmond

IMG_2121  I Remember

  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

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2012

Slow Po's

GRAND PRIZE
  Sophia Capote
  (3rd Grade) “Slow-po’s Story”
from ST. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School, Ms. Molly Brown

Hope Amongst Ashes

  Katherine Cohen (8th Grade) “Hope Amongst Ashes”
from Carver Middle School,  Mr. Patrick Redmond

Restless

  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

The Talking Furniture

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