PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, and the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum announced the winners of the 45th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Children and the 26th Annual Short Story Writing Contest

for Young Adults.

 

Entries were combined into four age categories with a total of 31 submissions. A committee of judges read through the submissions and rated the entries on originality, appeal, writing style, and artwork, if applicable. All short story submissions are on display in the Children's Library now through September 16, 2023. The winning submissions are also displayed on the library's website.

 

When asked about her experience with the contest, 2023 winner Nora Schoeny said: "I enjoy writing a short story every year for the Berkshire Athenaeum because I love the chance to have my work displayed. It's fun to brainstorm what I'm going to write about, and I love reading everyone else's submissions!"

 

2023 winners of the Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Children and Young Adults:

 

Children Age 6 – 8

1st place: "The Ginger Bread Lady" by Kayleigh Gallagher

2nd place: "The Three Enemies" by Lacy Beach

Honorable Mention: "The Two Magic Scarves" by Chloe Mishk

 

Children Age 9 – 10

1st place: "Trapped at Tanglewood" by Tyler Banfield

2nd place: "Flying Socks" by Sophie Goddard

Honorable Mention: "The Segrub Family Trip Number 1: The Cottage" by Maisy Burgess

 

Young Adults Age 11 – 13

1st place: "Surviving the American Dream: A Historical Fiction Short Story" by Olivia Monti

2nd place: "Fairyland" by Nora Schoeny

Honorable Mention: "The Truth About Writing" by Jocelyn Coco Gilardi

 

Young Adults Age 14 – 17

1st place: "Home" by Amelia Coco Gilardi

2nd place: "Life to Death" by John McComish

Honorable Mention: "Jumping Out" by Jack Neiner