GPB Celebrates Young Authors! PBS KIDS Writers Contest Awards Ceremony

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(L to R): Aanya Jaiswal; Skylar Sevcik (back); Jaily Case; Ellie Cung; Lillian Montfort (back); Lenora Tew; John Montfort (back); Amitha Papadi

Credit: Mary Anne Lane

Georgia Public Broadcasting was thrilled to host the 2025 PBS KIDS Writers Contest awards ceremony on June 28, 2025, honoring young storytellers from across the state. Between January and April, children submitted original stories they not only wrote but also illustrated, showcasing creativity, imagination, and heart.

A panel of educators from the Georgia State University M.A. program in Creative and Innovative Education (MACIE) had the honor of judging the submissions. Their thoughtful evaluation helped select this year’s talented award winners.

At the ceremony, held at GPB's headquarters, young authors enjoyed an afternoon filled with excitement and inspiration. While waiting for their turn to record their stories in the editing booth, they participated in puppet-making activities led by the Center for Puppetry Arts. Afterwards, each award winner took the stage to receive a medal and a swag bag in recognition of their accomplishment.

It was a joy to celebrate these remarkable young voices and the creativity they shared. We’re already looking forward to the 2026 PBS KIDS Writers Contest!

Here are the winning stories!

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Kindergarten - 3rd Place Winner: Untitled by Michaela Wang

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Kindergarten - 2nd Place Winner: Posearilla Loses Her Yarn! by Jaily Case

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Kindergarten - 1st Place Winner: Myla the Mermaid and Her New Friend by Lillian Montfort

 

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First Grade - 3rd Place Winner: Catgirl and Brian: The Portal of Crystals (Book One) by Lenora Tew

 

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First Grade - 2nd Place Winner: The Girl Who Dreamed Stars by Aanya Gupta

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First Grade - 1st Place Winner: The Little Caterpillar by Ellie Cung

 

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Second Grade - 3rd Place Winner: How Jack and Ruby Saved the Day! by Rachael J. Thakare

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Second Grade - 2nd Place Winner: The Runaway Fox by Frances Raffield Heys

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Second Grade - 1st Place Winner: My Friend Mina by Aanya Jaiswal

 

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Third Grade - 3rd Place Winner: Baby Quilt by Skylar Sevcik

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Third Grade - 2nd Place Winner: Red Goes to School by John Montfort

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Third Grade - 1st Place Winner: The True Story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears Told by the Third Bear by Amitha Papadi

Are you a Georgia student in kindergarten through third grade? Get ready to join the fun! Your next chance to enter is coming in January 2026! Learn more about the PBS KIDS Writers Contest here. 

Young storytellers from across Georgia were celebrated at GPB's 2025 PBS KIDS Writers Contest awards ceremony, honoring their creativity, imagination, and original illustrated stories.