The Indiana Arts Council is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Youth Writing Contest!

Poetry Category

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Winner: "Threads of Quiet Resilience"

Alana Juart, Grade 10, Indiana Area Senior High

Runner Up: "Life Hasn't Been"

Caly Ward, Grade 10, United Junior / Senior High 

Flash Fiction Category

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Winner: "Outpost"

Mariusz Dietz, Grade 9, Indiana Area Senior High

First Runner-Up: "Creatures"

Trevor Boychuck, Grade 9, Indiana Area Senior High 

Second Runner-Up: "The Hangover"

Joseph Lohr, Grade 9, Indiana Area Senior High