The Guelph Public Library, in partnership with the Vocamus Writers Community, is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 Teen ETCH Anthology Creative Writing and Cover Art contests. This annual creative arts initiative invites students in grades 7 through 12 from Guelph and Wellington County to share their voices and perspectives through the power of storytelling and visual art. This year’s theme of “Chaos” inspired a wide range of thoughtful and imaginative submissions.
“We’re proud of all the teens who took part in this year’s contest,” said Meg Forestell-Page, Manager of Public Services. “The quality, creativity, and depth of this year’s submissions were remarkable, and partnering with Vocamus gave these young writers the opportunity to further refine their work and grow their talents as they shaped this year’s anthology.”
“The ETCH Anthology offers an introduction to the next generation of writers in Wellington County,” said Jeremy Luke Hill, Managing Director of the Vocamus Writers Community. “It’s exciting to see young voices take creative risks and share their perspectives with the wider community.”
The Library extends its sincere gratitude to the Vocamus Writers Community and the Kiwanis Club of Guelph for their continued support of Teen ETCH. As part of the contest, all finalists were paired with local author mentors who provided guidance and feedback to help strengthen their work.
The following local authors generously served as mentors, sharing their time and expertise with this year’s participants: Aaron Blair, Adam Lindsay Honsinger, Bailey Kennedy, Bonnie Durtnall, Cliff Jackman, Colin Dunbar, Dale Greenwood, Douglas Davey, Dylan Curran, Ed Butts, James Gordon, John Hunt, Karen Houle, Karen Smythe, Kasia Jaronczyk, Kate‑Anderson Bernier, Kate Howells, Libby Johnstone, Lisa Browning, Phil Andrews, Richard Elmes, Rose Cullis, Sonya Ogilvie, Zandra Juarez, Zane Koss, and Jeremy Luke Hill.
Special recognition is extended to Jeremy Luke Hill and Laura Cok of the Vocamus Writers Community for their leadership and coordination of the contest.
The Library also likes to thank the Kiwanis Club of Guelph for its generous financial contribution, which supported prizes for Teen ETCH authors and the event launch celebration.
Copies of the 2026 Teen ETCH Anthology will be available for purchase at the Main Library Children’s area for $10 each, or two copies for $15.
2026 Teen ETCH Anthology Winners
Cover Art:
Winner: Jia Sun
Poetry Category:
First Place: “The Mother of All Things” by Nandini Parihar
Second Place: “Molten Rock and Burning Flame” by Elianna Wylie
Third Place: “The Hike” by Gwendolyn Blacksmith
Short Story Category – Grades 7 to 8:
First Place: “Welcome to Chaos” by Beatrix Harmatuk
Second Place: “Under the Aetherpine Tree” by Annie Trott
Third Place: “Not the end” by Tabitha McTague
Short Story Category – Grades 9 to 10:
First Place: “The Safe Day” by Ricardo Henriquez
Second Place: “The Man in the Shadows” by Henry Moran and Charby Stevens
Third Place: “Of Curiosity and Currents” by Elianna Wylie
Short Story Category – Grades 11 to 12:
First Place: “High Functioning” by Adiah Zacharias
Second Place: “Small Smoke Billowing” by Zoe Donahue
Third Place: “Everything Here is Exactly as It Should Be” by Nandini Parihar
Media contact
Meg Forestell-Page, Manager of Public Service
Guelph Public Library
548-855-0407
mforestell@guelphpl.ca