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and the winners are...
Grand Prize Award
Skye Elmore – 9th Grade
Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts
“Withered Away”
Kate Greer “Do It For the Plot” Award
Laronda Furlow – 11th Grade
Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts
“Dumpster Fire”
K–2 Division
1st Place
Lauren Williams – Kindergarten
Downtown Elementary
“Super Woman”
2nd Place
Major Turner – Kindergarte
Grand Prize Award
Skye Elmore – 9th Grade
Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts
“Withered Away”
Kate Greer “Do It For the Plot” Award
Laronda Furlow – 11th Grade
Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts
“Dumpster Fire”
K–2 Division
1st Place
Lauren Williams – Kindergarten
Downtown Elementary
“Super Woman”
2nd Place
Major Turner – Kindergarten
Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary
“Lollipop Garden”
3rd Place
Khaleeah Robinson – Kindergarten
Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary
“I Have a New Dog”
Honorable Mentions
A'nylah Smith – Kindergarten
Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary
“Londynn Won’t Clean Up”
Myla Gamad – 1st Grade
ALCA (Homeschool)
“Riya the Cricket”
Merritt Palkoska – Kindergarten
Downtown Elementary
“Super Man”
3–5 Division
1st Place
Eva Alvarado – 4th Grade
Johnson Elementary
“Milo the Mighty”
2nd Place
Zahara Lawicki – 5th Grade
Wynnton Arts Academy
“The Leaf Pile”
3rd Place
Kinnedy Williams – 5th Grade
Wynnton Arts Academy
“The Blue Tree”
Honorable Mentions
Sophia Lowman – 5th Grade
Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary
“Beautiful Angel”
Jarrod Mitchell – 3rd Grade
Downtown Elementary
“The Mysterious Animal I Saw”
Sa'mia Brown – 5th Grade
Downtown Elementary
“The Camping Trip They’ll Never Forget”
Phoenix Swanson – 3rd Grade
Hannan Elementary
“A Story of OCHOLOPHOBIA”
Aubrey Marshall – 3rd Grade
Dimon Magnet Academy
“Family Game Night”
Morgan Pittman – 5th Grade
Wynnton Arts Academy
“A Day with a Migrant Mother and Her Kids”
6–8 Division
1st Place
Azul Eileen Straight Vega – 6th Grade
Richards Middle School
“Car Riders”
2nd Place
Grace Lee – 8th Grade
Blackmon Road Middle School
“Fortitude Through Music”
3rd Place
Miya Lynch – 8th Grade
Richards Middle School
“What Grew in the Empty Space”
Honorable Mentions
Minseo Park – 7th Grade
Richards Middle School
6–8 Division
1st Place
Azul Eileen Straight Vega – 6th Grade
Richards Middle School
“Car Riders”
2nd Place
Grace Lee – 8th Grade
Blackmon Road Middle School
“Fortitude Through Music”
3rd Place
Miya Lynch – 8th Grade
Richards Middle School
“What Grew in the Empty Space”
Honorable Mentions
Minseo Park – 7th Grade
Richards Middle School
“The Minecraft”
Luke Carroll – 8th Grade
Richards Middle School
“Delayed Again”
McKenna Allen – 8th Grade
Blackmon Road Middle School
“The Day the Sky Turned Red”
Oliver Moore – 6th Grade
Richards Middle School
“During 61’”
9–12 Division
1st Place
Brody Carden – 9th Grade
Spencer High School
“The Boy and His Trout”
2nd Place
Nigel Clark – 10th Grade
Spencer High School
“The Hero Within Me”
Flash Fiction (Six-Word Story)
Winner
Makayla Garver – 10th Grade
ALCA (Homeschool)
“Forgetting Yourself”
Honorable Mentions
Jacob Pitts – 6th Grade
Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts
“Life Gives Lemons, Make a Profit”
Arjun Mishra – 8th Grade
Richards Middle School
“I Blinked”
Novelle Dennis – 9th Grade
Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts
“End of a Hospital Stay”
Poetry Category
Winner
Shree Patel – 8th Grade
Blackmon Road Middle School
“Of Amla Oil and Lotus Flower”
Honorable Mentions
Lizzie Alvarado – 9th Grade
Jordan Vocational High School
“The Dual”
Naga Joshitha Thalluri – 8th Grade
Richards Middle School
“The Story I Carry”
Legacy Presenting Sponsor
Sponsors
Patron List
Thank you to our Monetary and In-Kind Sponsors
Jimmy Joyner
Jesse and Dianne McClurkin
Carol Moore Charleston
NeShanta Banks
Charelle Davis
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Teen Impact Society
Our Mission
It's the RIGHT time to WRITE!
The mission of the Dr. Shanta McClurkin Joyner Creative Writing Contest is to nurture a love of writing for students in grades K-12 by inspiring, engaging and rewarding their efforts, creativity and use of imagination to produce quality works.
2026 Contest
2026 Contest Information
What: "Dr. Shanta McClurkin Joyner Creative Writing Contest". We are looking for original, fictional stories from students! Do you enjoy WRITING? Well, it’s YOUR turn to write a fictional story and have the chance to win CASH and PRIZES! In addition, we want you to integrate art into your story by creating up to three (3) original, clear and colorful illustrations that enhance your story. This is a CREATIVE writing contest.
Who: This contest is open to K-12 students in the following counties in Georgia and Alabama: Muscogee, Harris, Chattahoochee, Talbot, Troup, Russell, and Lee.
Note to parents: If the child cannot write yet, you may type their words for them. Categories (based upon grade level in the 2025 - 2026 school year):
* Grades K-2
* Grades 3-5
* Grades 6-8
* Grades 9-12
When:
• Entries must be submitted via the Google Form Application by Saturday, April 4, 2026
• Winners will be announced at the official award ceremony on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at National Infantry Museum (Auditorium/Theater) Red Carpet at 12 noon, Awards at 1:00 pm.
Prizes: Each category will have a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner.
· All 1st place winners will receive a prize package valued at $50 or more and a certificate.
· All 2nd place winners will receive a prize package valued at $25 or more and a certificate.
· All 3rd place winners will receive a prize package valued at $10 or more and a certificate.
· The entry receiving the highest points will win the grand prize that at minimum will be a tablet.
· The teacher of the grand prize winner will also receive a prize package valued at $25 or more.
*These are the minimum prize values. Each prize package is subject to change (increase in value)
based upon sponsorships of the contest.
(ONE WINNER IN EACH OF THESE CATEGORIES)
POETRY
FLASH FICTION -Six Word Stories
Judging: This contest has a panel of judges from a variety of backgrounds, expertise and experiences. The judges will use a rubric to evaluate and score each submission.
Distinguished Greetings
State Representative Tremaine “Teddy” Reese Attorney • Legislator • Community Leader
State Representative Tremaine “Teddy” Reese is a distinguished attorney, legislator, and community leader serving Columbus, Georgia. A native of Gordon, Georgia, he was the first in his family to attend college, earning degrees from Albany State University, Georgia College & State University, and Florida A&M University College of Law.
As the principal owner and managing attorney of The Reese Firm, LLC, Representative Reese has built a career rooted in advocacy, service, and impact. He serves on multiple boards and advisory councils and is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Recognized as a Georgia Trend Top 40 Under 40 honoree, he is known for his commitment to leadership, civic engagement, and empowering future generations. He is joined in life and purpose by his wife, Dr. Chasity Reese, and their daughter.
Dr. David Lewis Superintendent • Educator • Advocate for Student Success
Dr. David Lewis is a distinguished superintendent, educator and advocate for student success serving the students and families of Muscogee County, Georgia. With more than 30 years in education, his career began as a band director, where he first discovered his passion for teaching and mentorship.
Throughout his career, Dr. Lewis has served as a teacher, principal, and district leader, building a legacy rooted in excellence, service, and student achievement. He has led with a focus on strengthening schools, supporting educators, and expanding opportunities for all learners.
As Superintendent of the Muscogee County School District, he is known for his commitment to innovation, accountability, and student success. He is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who remains deeply invested in the community he serves.
2026 Presenters
Kimberly Wright, Director of Communications for MCSD - K-2 Presenter
Kimberly Wright, Director of Communications for MCSD - K-2 Presenter
Kimberly Wright, Director of Communications for MCSD - K-2 Presenter
Dr Kia Chambers- Citywide School Board Member - 3-5 Presenter
Kimberly Wright, Director of Communications for MCSD - K-2 Presenter
Kimberly Wright, Director of Communications for MCSD - K-2 Presenter
Travis Chambers, City Council District 10 - 3-5 Presenter
Kimberly Wright, Director of Communications for MCSD - K-2 Presenter
Sherricka Day, Community and Youth Advocate - 6-8 Presenter
Sherricka Day, Community and Youth Advocate - 6-8 Presenter
Kimberly Wright, Director of Communications for MCSD - K-2 Presenter
Sherricka Day, Community and Youth Advocate - 6-8 Presenter
Z. Lawrence - Grammy’s Member and CEO of MEC Z Lawrence 9-12 Presenter
London Hedges - Multiyear Winner of the Creative Writing Contest - Kate Greer "Do It For the Plot" Award Presenter
London Hedges - Multiyear Winner of the Creative Writing Contest - Kate Greer "Do It For the Plot" Award Presenter
London Hedges - Multiyear Winner of the Creative Writing Contest - Kate Greer "Do It For the Plot" Award Presenter
London Hedges - Multiyear Winner of the Creative Writing Contest - Kate Greer "Do It For the Plot" Award Presenter
London Hedges - Multiyear Winner of the Creative Writing Contest - Kate Greer "Do It For the Plot" Award Presenter
Brandy “Lade Breez” Elam - Author, Poet, Spoken Word Artist, Humanitarian - Poetry and 6 Word Story Presenter
London Hedges - Multiyear Winner of the Creative Writing Contest - Kate Greer "Do It For the Plot" Award Presenter
Brandy “Lade Breez” Elam - Author, Poet, Spoken Word Artist, Humanitarian - Poetry and 6 Word Story Presenter
Kia Autosport Columbus Representative - Grand Prize Presenter
London Hedges - Multiyear Winner of the Creative Writing Contest - Kate Greer "Do It For the Plot" Award Presenter
Brandy “Lade Breez” Elam - Author, Poet, Spoken Word Artist, Humanitarian - Poetry and 6 Word Story Presenter
2026 Judges
Sherrie Aaron
Erika N Cottingham
Tyler Allender
Tyler Allender
Erika N Cottingham
Tyler Allender
Denise Cambridge
Erika N Cottingham
Erika N Cottingham
Erika N Cottingham
Erika N Cottingham
Erika N Cottingham
Jessica D Gates
Jarvis "JBo" Hamilton
Jessica D Gates
Grandé Beauty
Jarvis "JBo" Hamilton
Jessica D Gates
Felicia Hamilton
Jarvis "JBo" Hamilton
Jarvis "JBo" Hamilton
Jarvis "JBo" Hamilton
Jarvis "JBo" Hamilton
Jarvis "JBo" Hamilton
Jamisha Harrison
Dr. Tiffany McBride
Jamisha Harrison
Brandy Matthews
Dr. Tiffany McBride
Jamisha Harrison
Dr. Tiffany McBride
Dr. Tiffany McBride
Dr. Tiffany McBride
Andrea Sullivan
Dr. Tiffany McBride
Dr. Tiffany McBride
José R. Quiñones
Cherington Lackland
José R. Quiñones
Dr. Jake Golden
Cherington Lackland
José R. Quiñones
Jinea Taylor
Cherington Lackland
Cherington Lackland
Cherington Lackland
Cherington Lackland
Cherington Lackland
Brittini Griggs
Candice Robin D. Davis
Christopher Brunson
Christopher Brunson
Candice Robin D. Davis
Christopher Brunson
Renee Freshley
Candice Robin D. Davis
Candice Robin D. Davis
Candice Robin D. Davis
Candice Robin D. Davis
Candice Robin D. Davis
Official Rules
2026 Contest Rules
Dr. Shanta McClurkin Joyner
Creative Writing Contest
2026
(Official Rules) No purchase necessary, and no fee required to enter.
These are the official rules for the Dr. Shanta McClurkin Joyner (“Sponsor”) Creative Writing Contest
("Contest").
1. Eligibility: The Contest is open to all legal residents of the United States aged 18 or under at the time of their Entry into the Contest. Entrants must attend school in one of the following Georgia or Alabama counties: Muscogee, Harris, Chattahoochee, Talbot, Troup, Russell, and Lee. Entrants under the age of 18 may enter only with the permission of their parent or guardian. Family members of Dr. Shanta Joyner and/or Contest judges are not eligible to enter. All entrants, and/or a parent or guardian of all entrants under the age of 18 must sign and submit the property and publication release on the Contest Entry Form. Only original, unpublished, fictional short stories of 1500 words or less and written in English without profanity are eligible. Only single-author stories qualify (no co-authored stories).
You must include all of the following with your entry:
· Completed and signed Contest Entry Form
· Fictional Story of 1500 words or less
· A maximum of 3 original, clear and colorful illustrations
A parent or guardian may assist their child by typing or writing down their child’s words, if their child cannot write or type. A parent or guardian may proofread and offer suggestions for the child to correct and improve their story, but parents may not co-write with their child. (The child must do the work.)
2. Restrictions: Incomplete or illegible entries and entries that do not meet the Eligibility standards in these official rules may be disqualified.
3. How to Enter: There is NO FEE to enter this contest. Follow these steps to enter:
Write a story in 1500 words or less. Your story must be fictional (make-believe). Your story must NOT contain profanity.
Create at least one (1) and no more than three (3) original, clear and colorful illustrations that enhance your story.
Complete the Google Form Application. All of your information, to include your story and illustrations, must be submitted through the Form.
Email any questions to: Dr.ShantaPatrick@gmail.com
Entries must be received no later than midnight (EST) April 4, 2026.
Entries must include the following items:
A completed and signed entry form, a fictional story of 1500 words or less, typed or hand-written (legibly) and at least one (1) and no more than three (3) original, clear and colorful illustrations that enhance your story.
Please note: All submissions become the property of Dr. Shanta McClurkin Joyner Creative Writing
Contest, and we cannot return them. (Intellectual rights remain with the author; we just will not return stories)
Incomplete or illegible entries may be disqualified.
4. Deadline: Entries must be received no later than midnight (EST) April 4, 2026.
5. Categories: Entries will be separated into 4 categories (grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12), and three winners from each category will be chosen. An entry will compete in ONE category.
6. Prizes: The Sponsor may add additional prizes to the following list:
Prizes: Each category will have a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner.
· All 1st place winners will receive a prize package valued at $50 or more and a certificate.
· All 2nd place winners will receive a prize package valued at $25 or more and a certificate.
· All 3rd place winners will receive a prize package valued at $10 or more and a certificate.
· The entry receiving the highest points will win the grand prize that at minimum will be a laptop computer or tablet.
· The teacher (parent, if home schooled) of the grand prize winner will also receive a prize package valued at $25 or more.
*These are the minimum prize values. Each category is subject to change (increase in value) based upon sponsorships of the contest.
(ONE WINNER IN EACH OF THESE CATEGORIES)
POETRY
FLASH FICTION -Six Word Stories
7. Judging: All decisions made by the judging panel are final and binding and are not subject to appeal or review. The judging panel will select the winners from each category based on the following determinants:
* Writing Task (stays on topic, work of fiction (make-believe)
*Understanding Purpose and Audience (These stories are fictional and are meant to entertain. Although they may include some emotional aspect, they are not meant to persuade or inform.)
*Organizational Structure (consistent point of view, focus, use of transitions)
*Use of Plot (clear beginning, middle and end, major and minor characters, definite setting)
Use of Narrative Strategies (use of dialogue, suspense and narrative action)
*Language and Flow (variety of sentence types, descriptive, colorful language)
*Grammar and Mechanics (conventions; creative spelling is acceptable)
*Judge’s Choice (the overall rating the judge gives the submission)
*Illustrations (Includes at least one (1) and no more than three (3) original, clear and colorful illustrations that enhance the story and shows superior ability in art)
8. Submission Guidelines: Entrants must write a fictional story. In addition, Entrant must integrate art into the story by creating up to three (3) original, clear and colorful illustrations that enhance the story. This is a CREATIVE writing contest.
This contest is open to K-12 students in the following counties in Georgia and Alabama: Muscogee, Harris, Chattahoochee, Talbot, Troup, Russell, and Lee.
If the child cannot write yet, the parent/guardian may type their words for them. Categories (based upon grade level in the 2025 – 2026 - school year):
* Grades K-2
* Grades 3-5
* Grades 6-8
* Grades 9-12
•Entries must be submitted by midnight on April 4, 2026 Submissions will only be accepted via the Google Form Application.
9. Winner Notification: Winners will be announced at the official award ceremony on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the National Infantry Museum at 12:00 noon.
*If the judging panel determines that none of the entries in a contest category are suitable, no prize will be awarded for that category.
10. Publication: By participating in The Contest, Entrants agree that the Dr. Shanta McClurkin Joyner Creative Writing Contest Sponsor may publish their entries on the internet (social media, websites, etc.) without payment of any kind (except for any prize(s) he or she may be awarded as contest winners). Entrants also agree that the Sponsor may post any entry without payment to the author.
11. Limitation of Liability: By participating in the Contest, Entrants agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless Dr. Shanta Joyner and partners, affiliates, agents, representatives and employees
(collectively, “Releasees”) from and against any injuries, losses, damages, claims, actions, or liability of any kind resulting from or arising from participation in the Contest or acceptance, possession, use, misuse or nonuse of any prize that may be awarded. The Contest and Official Rules shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia without regard to its principles of conflicts of law. Jurisdiction and venue and all disputes concerning the Contest shall be solely within the Superior Court for the State of Georgia. Releasees are not responsible for computer, technical, printing, typographical, postal, human or other errors relating to or in connection with this Contest, including without limitation, errors which may occur in the administration of the Contest, the announcement of the prize, the processing of entries or in any Contest-related materials; or for transactions that are lost, stolen, late, misdirected, damaged, incomplete, or illegible entries or postage due mail; entries that fail to enter into the processing system, or are processed, reported, or transmitted late or incorrectly or are lost for any reason including computer, telephone, paper transfer, human or other error; or for electronic, computer, or telephonic malfunction or error, or process of any transaction therein. Dr. Shanta Joyner and affiliates, in their sole discretion, reserve the right to disqualify individuals or void entries, to modify or suspend the Contest, or to terminate the Contest or a portion of the Contest, and to award no Prizes or such Prizes as it deems appropriate using all remaining eligible entries received as of the termination date. Should the Contest be terminated or modified prior to the stated expiration date, notice will be posted on the Facebook account “Dr. Shanta McClurkin Joyner Creative Writing Contest” group. Any attempt by an entrant or any other individual to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest is a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, Dr. Shanta Joyner reserves the right to seek damages and other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. As a condition of entering the Contest, entrant agrees that under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental, consequential, or any other damages; all causes of action arising out of or connected with this Contest or the Prize awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; and any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out-of- pocket costs incurred but in no event shall cover attorneys’ fees. Dr. Shanta Joyner reserves the right to modify prizes and prize award procedures. In the event of a dispute as to the identity or eligibility of a winner based on an email address, the winning entry will be declared made by the “Authorized Account Holder” of the email address submitted at time of entry as long as the “Authorized Account Holder” meets the Eligibility Standards of the Contest. “Authorized Account Holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, education institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address.
12. Privacy Policy:
Dr. Shanta Joyner will use the information collected from Entrants solely for the purposes of conducting the Contest, announcing winners, finalists and/or entries, which receive an honorable mention, and for communicating with the Entrants about the Contest.
Dr. Shanta Joyner will not sell or disclose personally identifiable information that you provide to other parties by except 1) to recognize authors of stories published, 2) to recognize winners, and 3) as may otherwise be required or allowed by law. Entrants’ names, ages and hometowns may be published to recognize and credit the author of a published story. Entrants may opt out of any part of this recognition by filling out the applicable portion of the Entry Form.
Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee 100% security of data transmission over the Internet. Therefore, Dr. Shanta Joyner cannot guarantee or warrant the security of any information transmitted to or from us via email.
Are you here for the writing contest?
Dr. Joyner loves to give back and has multiple opportunities for students to be awarded for their dedication and efforts! I'm pretty sure you are here for the writing contest, though!