High School Jessamyn West Writing Contest
JESSAMYN WEST
HIGH SCHOOL
Creative WRITING CONTEST
The English Department of Napa Valley College invites unpublished works of short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction for the 2025 Jessamyn West High School Creative Writing Contest. The contest is open to any student enrolled in a Napa County high school.
All winners will be invited to read from their winning submissions at the Jessamyn West Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 7th 5:30-7:30 pm in the Community Room of the McCarthy Library at Napa Valley College.
A first prize of $100 and a second prize of $50 will be awarded in each category.
In addition, winners receive free entry to the public craft lectures and readings presented at the Napa Valley Writers’ Conference during the summer semester.
The deadline for receipt of entries is FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025 at 11:59 pm.
Entries will be judged by English Department faculty at Napa Valley College.
Click on the flyer below to get to the online entry form and submission guidelines.
Direct any questions to Andrea Bewick (abewick@napavalley.edu)
2024 Jessamyn West High School Award Winners:
Fiction: Brian Larsen, Fiction Judge
1st place: Elena Salaiz for “Again”
Creative Nonfiction: Christine Pruitt, Creative Nonfiction Judge
1st place: Quetzaly Hernandez for “La Ultima Esperanza”
Poetry: Iris Dunkle, Poetry Judge
1st place: Jennifer Servin for “Who I Am”