Young storytellers shine at Surrey Libraries’ annual writing competition.
Surrey Libraries has announced the winners of its 2025 Youth Writing Contest, celebrating creativity, courage, and self-expression among young writers aged 12 to 18.
The annual contest, free to enter, invites submissions across four categories — short stories, poetry, comics, and a “random” category that includes essays, screenplays, and song lyrics. Since its launch in 1987, the contest has received nearly 9,000 entries from aspiring writers throughout Surrey.
Winners were celebrated at an awards gala on October 15, where participants shared how the experience inspired and empowered them.
“Writing about my uncle’s death was extremely personal, and this contest gave me a safe space to share those feelings on paper,” said Japneet Kahlon, Honourable Mention in the Random category. “It reminded me that writing can turn grief into healing.”
“Participating in this contest gave me the validation I needed to trust my voice and showed me that my stories are worth sharing with the world,” said Angela Xiao, First Place winner in the Comics category.
Youth Services Librarian Tricia Green, the contest coordinator, praised the entrants for their creativity and courage. “This competition is a celebration of voices, stories, and dreams, and Surrey Libraries is proud to help nurture the next generation of storytellers,” she said.
2025 Youth Writing Contest Winners
Junior Short Story
1st – Yanna Yadav
2nd – Imrin Dhillon
3rd – Shyla Coan
Honourable Mentions – Jia Li, Xinye Audrey Liu
Senior Short Story
1st – Iryna Zlomynoha
2nd – Reem El-Bakezzi
3rd – Arlin Adhikari
Honourable Mentions – Hayley Giang, Jocelyn Mui
Junior Poetry
1st – Leana Bernardino
2nd – Maya Baker
3rd – Jolene Zhang
Honourable Mentions – Luciana Tilgner, Lap Phan
Senior Poetry
1st – Jahmauri Inimgba
2nd – Isabella Wen
3rd – Alice Yu
Honourable Mentions – Hanna Grover, Ria Jessa
Comics
1st – Angela Xiao
2nd – Ava Hudson
3rd – Noah Nhuk Som
Honourable Mentions – Khrystine Calaramo, Vianka Parwani
Random Category
1st – Cadence Liao
2nd – Myreen Randhawa
3rd – Alveera Wahi
Honourable Mentions – Japneet Kahlon, Esther Yeong
An anthology of all winning works will be available at Surrey library branches and for purchase at $8 starting in early November.
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