Creative Writing Contest
The City of Nappanee turns 150 in 2024! Celebrate by entering the NPL Creative Writing Contest. There are 4 age groups, each with their own prompt inspired by the Sesquicentennial! Write anything for this contest: an essay, a short story, a poem… Just follow the prompt and be creative!
The form will begin accepting responses on 04/01. Entries of any kind will not be accepted until April 1 or after April 21.
Contest Categories:
| Category | Upper Elementary | Middle School | Highschool | Adult |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade/Age | Grade 3 – 5 | Grade 6 – 8 | Grade 9 – 12 | Age 18+ |
| Prize | $150 | $200 | $250 | $350 |
| Maximum Word Count | up to 500 words | up to 750 words | up to 1,000 words | up to 150 words |
| Writing Prompt | New Town: Write about a new town of your own creation. | Home: Write about a favorite memory from home or what home means to you. | Small Town: Write about living in a small town. | 150-Word Challenge: Write about Nappanee in 150 words or less. |
Eligibility:
Open to any resident or student (grades 3+) in the Wa-Nee School District.
Deadline:
Entries will be accepted April 1 – April 21. Only original materials may be entered.
Judging:
Entries will be judged anonymously on content, grammar, and creativity using a 15-point rubric.
How to Enter:
Entries can be submitted online, dropped off, or emailed to media@nappaneelibrary.org.
Do not put your name or contact information on any pages of your entry.
Your name, phone number, and email address, along with the title of your entry, go ONLY on the submission form.
One entry per person. A submission form is required.
The form will begin accepting responses on 04/01. Entries of any kind will not be accepted until April 1 or after April 21.
Awards:
1st place winners will receive a cash prize and 2nd place winners will receive a $20 gift card.
Winning entries may be on display at the Library and on the Library’s website and social media.
Sponsors:
Thank you to the following sponsors:
Friends of the Nappanee Public Library, Kountry Wood Products, Stickley Ace, Main Street Roasters, and Bella’s Books & Curiosities
2023 Winners
Upper Elementary 1st Place: Heather Chupp
2nd Place: Karson Mills
Middle School 1st Place: Breanna Dye
2nd Place: Petra Miller
High School 1st Place: Grace Amstutz
2nd Place: Tatiana M.
Adult 1st Place: Monica Crowder
2nd Place: Robin Sitek
2022 Winners
Upper Elementary 1st Place: Meredith Bontrager
2nd Place: Preston Miller
Middle School 1st Place: Audrey Cramer
2nd Place: Ryne Wells
High School 1st Place: Sophia Vincent
2nd Place: Janysse Barrera-Zelaya
Adult 1st Place: Christy Harrold
2nd Place: Brittney Mills
2021 Winners
Kid’s: Damian Murillo Teen: Lindsay Graber Adult: Rachel Titus