High School Jessamyn West Writing Contest
JESSAMYN WEST
HIGH SCHOOL
Creative WRITING CONTEST
The English Department of 麻豆映画 invites unpublished works of short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction for the 2026 Jessamyn West High School Creative Writing Contest. The contest is open to any student enrolled in a Napa County high school.
All winners will be invited to read from their selected entries at the Jessamyn West Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 6th 5:30-7:30 pm in the Community Room of the McCarthy Library at 麻豆映画.
A first prize of $100 and a second prize of $50 will be awarded in each category.
In addition, winners receive free entry to the public craft lectures and readings presented at the during the summer semester.
The deadline for receipt of entries is SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Entries will be judged by English Department faculty at 麻豆映画.
Direct any questions to Dr. Aaron DiFranco (adifranco@napavalley.edu)
See the 鈥淐lick to Apply鈥� link below or use the QR Code to get to the online entry form and submission guidelines.
2026 Jessamyn West High School Award Winners:
Announcing the Winners in Poetry
First Place - 鈥淐ages鈥� Sarendipity Roberts
Second Place - 鈥淭he Recipe鈥� Payton Henry
Honorable Mention - 鈥淗is Eyes鈥� Jameson Wright
Professor Lisa Yanover, Poetry Judge
Announcing the Winners in Fiction
First Place - 鈥淪kate Fears & Medal Dreams鈥� Olivia Elges
Second Place - 鈥淪aved鈥� Payton Henry
Professor Kristie Iwamoto, Fiction Judge
Announcing the Winner in Creative Nonfiction
First Place - 鈥淐arnations鈥� Montserrath Rendon Espinoza
Second Place - 鈥淭he Girl Who Was The Shadow鈥� Jessi Rodriguez
Professor Christine Pruitt, Creative Nonfiction Judge
Announcing the Winner of the Denise Rosselli Award
Alan Danel