The Guelph Public Library, in partnership with Vocamus Writers Community, is thrilled to announce the results and achievements of this year’s Teen ETCH Creative Writing Contest. This annual creative arts contest for teens in grades 7 through 12 provides opportunities for Guelph’s youth to express their thoughts and connect to their community through the power of storytelling. This year’s theme was ‘rebirth.’

“Congratulations to everyone who submitted an entry to this year’s teen creative writing contest,” shares Meg Forestell-Page, Supervisor of Community Engagement. “It is always inspiring to read the submissions each year. This is a wonderful opportunity for Guelph Teen writers to share their amazing creative talents in a welcoming space.”

Each winner received a Downtown Guelph gift certificate and is published in our ETCH 2023 Anthology.

The Library appreciates the continued support of the Vocamus Writers Community. All teen finalists were connected with a local author mentor, who worked with the teens to strengthen their writing skills. A special thank you to this year’s mentors for volunteering your time and expertise: Phil Andrews, Catherine Frid, Jean A. Gibbens, Jennifer Hewitt, Montaha Hidefi, Daved M. Muttart, Kali Pearson, Marion Reidel, Corrie Shoemaker, Beike Stengos and Marian L. Thorpe.

Enjoy reading this year’s ETCH 2023 Anthology by purchasing your own copy at the Main Library – second floor - for $20 each or 2 for $30 and keep on celebrating Guelph’s talented and creative youth!

And the winners are…

Cover Art: Zola Senitt

Poetry

First Place: “Gunslinger” by Rory Phelan
Second Place: “Smiles” by Hiba Khan
Third Place: “Falcon of Fire” by Elianna Wylie

Grades 7 to 8:

First Place: “A Song of Souls” by Lauren Zheng
Second Place: “The Dawning” by Piper Caporicci
Third Place: “The Corruption of Progress” by Liam Ruddock

Grades 9 to 10:

First Place: “The Obituary” by Lily Bitton
Second Place: “Little Bunny” by Charlie Ratcliffe
Third Place: “Fire Damage” by Hana Alice Maherali-Caruso

Grades 11 to 12:

First Place: “My First Friend” by Athavi Nishaanthan
Second Place: “They Called Me Katrina” by Julia Pelitis
Third Place: “All the Glitters” by Gwynne Valentine Ross