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Eastern Shore Literacy Association Celebrates Young Writers at 2026 Young Authors’ Awards Ceremony

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The annual Young Authors’ Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Eastern Shore Literacy Association (ESLA), celebrated the exceptional literary talents of student writers from across the Lower Eastern Shore at the auditorium of Stephen Decatur High School. ESLA extends its sincere appreciation to Stephen Decatur High School for hosting this year’s event and supporting the celebration of student literacy and creativity.

Students from public, private, and homeschool settings in grades 1–12 were recognized for their outstanding poetry and short stories, with more than 300 entries submitted for judging.

The evening featured a keynote address from acclaimed author Kenton Kilgore, known for crafting imaginative stories for children, young adults, and lifelong readers. Kilgore shared insights into his creative process, emphasizing the importance of developing compelling characters and immersive worlds that challenge readers to think deeply and feel strongly. Drawing on influences ranging from Shakespeare and mythology to comic books and contemporary media, he encouraged students to embrace their unique voices and pursue storytelling with both courage and creativity.

The Young Authors’ Contest, organized annually by ESLA, continues to serve as the premier writing competition for young authors in the region. Submissions were evaluated using a blind scoring process to ensure fairness and objectivity. Competition remained highly competitive across all grade levels, with some categories narrowing finalists from as many as 75 entries.

“The level of creativity and talent displayed in this year’s contest was truly remarkable,” said Jessica Webster, Young Authors’ Contest Co-Chair. “With over 300 entries, the judges had an incredibly challenging task. It is inspiring to see so many young writers using their voices to craft meaningful poetry and powerful stories.”

2026 Young Authors’ Contest Award Winners

Grade 1

Poetry

  • 1st Place – Lainie Booth, Worcester Prep
  • 2nd Place – Reagan Whitlock, Worcester Prep

Short Story

  • No entries

Grade 2

Poetry

  • 1st Place – Oliver Banks, The Salisbury School
  • 2nd Place – Eliza Curren, The Salisbury School
  • 3rd Place – Wyatt Baker, The Salisbury School

Short Story

  • 1st Place – Evelyn Justice, Ocean City Elementary
  • 2nd Place – Anna Lee Kotzur, Ocean City Elementary

Grade 3

Poetry

  • 1st Place – Jackson Webster, North Salisbury Elementary
  • 2nd Place – Nicole Sebastian, Worcester Prep
  • 3rd Place – Zora Cork, North Salisbury Elementary

Short Story

  • 1st Place – Nyah Hamilton, North Salisbury Elementary
  • 2nd Place – Derick Humphrey, North Salisbury Elementary
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Ray Kuntz Carter, North Salisbury Elementary
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Sara Preziosi, Ocean City Elementary

Grade 4

Poetry

  • 1st Place – Mack Ashton, Ocean City Elementary
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Ani Hovhannisyan, Ocean City Elementary
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Jayda Lewis, The Salisbury School
  • 3rd Place – Piper Konyar, Ocean City Elementary

Short Story

  • 1st Place – Wesley Weeth, Worcester Prep
  • 2nd Place – Eleanor Broughel, Worcester Prep
  • 3rd Place – Madelyn DelliGatti, Ocean City Elementary

Grade 5

Poetry

  • 1st Place – Olivia Adkins, North Salisbury Elementary
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Emily Leiner, Worcester Prep
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Ostin Cai, The Salisbury School
  • 3rd Place – Saya Patel, North Salisbury Elementary

Short Story

  • 1st Place – Hristina Gjoni, Worcester Prep
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Ostin Cai, The Salisbury School
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Addilyn Fawcett, Worcester Prep
  • 3rd Place – Layla Cooper, North Salisbury Elementary

Grade 6

Poetry

  • 1st Place – Maisie Gill, Berlin Intermediate School
  • 2nd Place – Evelyn Caudill, Berlin Intermediate School
  • 3rd Place – Gavin Zubko, Holly Grove Christian

Short Story

  • 1st Place – Emma Hailey, Berlin Intermediate School
  • 2nd Place – Carla Menendez, Berlin Intermediate School
  • 3rd Place – Samantha Dawkins, Berlin Intermediate School

Grade 7

Poetry

  • 1st Place – Serena Jaoude, Worcester Prep
  • 2nd Place – Madison Cooper, Stephen Decatur Middle
  • 3rd Place – Dorie Elliott, The Salisbury School

Short Story

  • 1st Place – Eli Parker, Worcester Prep
  • 2nd Place – Nikol Petkova, Worcester Prep
  • 3rd Place – Emilie Wagner, Worcester Prep

Grade 8

Poetry

  • 1st Place – Anna Paniceva, Stephen Decatur Middle
  • 2nd Place – Lorelei Broyles, The Salisbury School
  • 3rd Place – Jasmine Desormeaux, Bennett Middle School

Short Story

  • 1st Place – Caroline Auchey, The Salisbury School
  • 2nd Place – Brodie Berezowski, Mardela Middle & High
  • 3rd Place – Brooklyn DelliGatti, Worcester Prep

Grade 9

Poetry

  • 1st Place – Keira Keaney, James M. Bennett High
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Hannah Coyle, Worcester Prep
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Ruby Ludwick, James M. Bennett High
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Clara Elliott, The Salisbury School
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Claire Sullivan, Stephen Decatur High
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Cris Graves, Stephen Decatur High

Short Story

  • 1st Place – Sophia Nguyen, Worcester Prep
  • 2nd Place – Addison Gibbs, The Salisbury School
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Ruby Ludwick, James M. Bennett High
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Lilly Finkbeiner, The Salisbury School

Grade 10

Poetry

  • 1st Place (tie) – Jacob Culver, Snow Hill High
  • 1st Place (tie) – Jamila Spruill, James M. Bennett High
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Gabriel DeSilver, Stephen Decatur High
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Olivia Hamilton, The Salisbury School
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Ava Mah, The Salisbury School
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Ja’Niya Carelock, Stephen Decatur High

Short Story

  • 1st Place – Minsuk Kim, James M. Bennett High
  • 2nd Place – Sydney Matyiko, The Salisbury School
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Lena Smith, The Salisbury School
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Abigail Tan, Parkside High

Grade 11

Poetry

  • 1st Place (tie) – Sophia Leimbach, Holly Grove Christian
  • 1st Place (tie) – Breanna McCray, Stephen Decatur High
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Petra Burgmann, The Salisbury School
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Sydney Parker, Worcester Prep
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Raniyah (River) Hunter, Pocomoke High
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Joseph Kim, James M. Bennett High

Short Story

  • 1st Place – Breanna McCray, Stephen Decatur High
  • 2nd Place – Casper Gilchrist, The Salisbury School
  • 3rd Place – Lyla Roberts, Worcester Prep

Grade 12

Poetry

  • 1st Place – Kanye Reid, Pocomoke High
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Bella Masone, The Salisbury School
  • 2nd Place (tie) – Jamie Nguyen, Worcester Prep
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Savvy Wertz, Snow Hill High
  • 3rd Place (tie) – Adelaide Dawkins, Stephen Decatur High

Short Story

  • 1st Place – Jamie Nguyen, Worcester Prep
  • 2nd Place – Skyler Kim, Stephen Decatur High
  • 3rd Place – Catherine Cullen, Worcester Prep

About the Eastern Shore Literacy Association

The Eastern Shore Literacy Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing literacy across the Lower Eastern Shore. ESLA promotes high-quality literacy instruction by supporting educators and families, advocating for literacy initiatives, and fostering a lifelong love of reading and writing through strong school and community partnerships.