Storytellers Recognized in Laurier Stedman Competition

This year's Laurier Stedman Prize competition recognized seven writers in Grand Erie.

The prizes, granted biennially by Laurier Brantford's Faculty of Liberal Arts, celebrate secondary students for their creative storytelling through original, unpublished works of fiction. A grand total of $13,000 is awarded among the top six writers.

All entries are judged anonymously by sub-juries to determine the top 10 finalists, with winners announced at the official ceremony on Wednesday, May 27. Dr. JoAnna Roberto, Chief Executive Officer, was in attendance that evening.

"I want to congratulate all of the students who courageously shared their voices, perspectives and imagination this year. Every submission demonstrates exceptional talent and dedication to your craft, and we're incredibly proud to see Grand Erie students recognized for their literary achievement," she said.

"Thank you to Laurier-Stedman Brantford and Grand Erie educators,  for continuing to celebrate and support emerging writers in our community."

Please take a moment to read the work of Grand Erie's talented writers.

Second Place - $2,500 each

• The Weight of the World by Julia Roberts, McKinnon Park Secondary School, Grade 12

Third Place - $1,500 each

• Mouthful of Rust by Chris Hodge, Waterford District High School, Grade 11

• Punchline by Talia Mago, Delhi District Secondary School, Grade 12

Runners up

• The Story We Tell by Arianna Chang, Brantford Collegiate Institute, Grade 12

• I Remember Grace by Leilah Janssen, North Park Collegiate and Vocational School, Grade 11

• The Department of Optimism by Ashwin Kronwald, North Park Collegiate and Vocational School, Grade 10
• The House That Will Never Forget by Michael Rose, Dunnville Secondary School, Grade 11

Congratulations to all who participated.