Posted by ReyFort Media
Surrey, BC — Surrey Libraries is pleased to announce and congratulate the winners of the 2025 Surrey Libraries Youth Writing Contest, an annual writing competition for youth aged 12-18.
The contest, which is free to enter, gives an opportunity for young writers to submit entries to one of four categories: short stories, poems, comics, and a random category for other types of writing such as essays, screenplays, or song lyrics. Since launching the contest in 1987, Surrey Libraries has received nearly 9,000 entries from aspiring young writers from across Surrey. The winners were celebrated at an Awards Gala on October 15.
“Writing about my uncle’s death was extremely personal, and this contest gave me a safe space to share those feelings on paper while also providing the opportunity for my writing to be recognized,” said Japneet Kahlon, awarded Honourable Mention in the Random category. “It reminded me that writing can turn grief into something healing, both for myself and for others who might connect with my story. It makes me feel like my uncle’s memory is living on through my words, which is all I could possibly ask for.”
“Every year, I am amazed by the creativity and courage shown by Surrey’s young writers,” said Tricia Green, Youth Services Librarian and coordinator of the contest. “This competition is a celebration of voices, stories and dreams and Surrey Libraries is proud to help nurture the next generation of storytellers.”
“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 Ziao, awarded First Place in the Comics category.
This popular program is organized by Surrey Libraries staff and is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including champion sponsors CUPE 402 & 402-02 Surrey City Workers & Surrey Library Workers, Khalsa Credit Union, and Surrey International Writers’ Conference.
An anthology of the winners’ work will be available to borrow from library branches and on sale for $8.00 in early November.
YOUTH WRITING CONTEST Winners 2025:
Junior Short Story
- First Prize: Yanna Yadav
- Second Prize: Imrin Dhillon
- Third Prize: Shyla Coan
- Honourable Mention: Jia Li
- Honourable Mention: Xinye Audrey Liu
Senior Short Story
- First Prize: Iryna Zlomynoha
- Second Prize: Reem El-Bakezzi
- Third Prize: Arlin Adhikari
- Honourable Mention: Hayley Giang
- Honourable Mention: Jocelyn Mui
Junior Poetry
- First Prize: Leana Bernardino
- Second Prize: Maya Baker
- Third Prize: Jolene Zhang
- Honourable Mention: Luciana Tilgner
- Honourable Mention: Lap Phan
Senior Poetry
- First Prize: Jahmauri Inimgba
- Second Prize: Isabella Wen
- Third Prize: Alice Yu
- Honourable Mention: Hanna Grover
- Honourable Mention: Ria Jessa
Comics
- First Prize: Angela Xiao
- Second Prize: Ava Hudson
- Third Prize: Noah Nhuk Som
- Honourable Mention: Khrystine Calaramo
- Honourable Mention: Vianka Parwani
Random
First Prize: Cadence Liao
- Second Prize: Myreen Randhawa
- Third Prize: Alveera Wahi
- Honourable Mention: Japneet Kahlon
- Honourable Mention: Esther Yeong
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