The North Carolina Azalea Festival introduced a new contest in 2017, the High School Writing Contest, in an effort to reach out to more youth in the greater Wilmington area. In 2022 the Festival decided to move the 2023 contest to the Middle School level in hopes to engage younger minds in participation and see what creative works come to life in this age group!
Middle School students are invited to submit either a descriptive essay or poem. Over 100 thoughtful, interesting, and creative entries are received annually and judged by a local team of writers. Winners and finalists are selected from each category and receive various prizes from the Azalea Festival and outside the community.
Love Where You Live…in the Springtime!
Writing submissions are due January 28, 2025 for the Middle School Writing Contest. Students in middle schools across the state of North Carolina are invited to enter.
Contest Deadline: January 28th.
Past Winners
2024 Essay Winner – Isa Satyajit
2024 Poetry Winner – Sebastian Flores
2023 Essay Winner – Siena Boldizar – Wilmington Academy of Arts & Sciences
2023 Poetry Winner – Tilghman Reiss – Wilmington Academy Arts & Sciences
2022 Essay Winner – Sara Frances Butler – New Hanover High School
2022 Poetry Winner – Jenna Ball, New Hanover High School
2021 Essay Winner – Mairead Benson, John T. Hoggard High School
2021 Poetry Winner – Adrian Jones, Cape Fear Academy
2020 Essay Winner – Madison Aloia, Jones Senior High School
2020 Poetry Winner – Jayson Cook, Laney High School
2019 Essay Winner – Abby Stone, Wilmington Christian Academy
2019 Poetry Winner – Madison Morrison, Wilmington Christian Academy
2018: Essay Winner – Hilary Batista, Ashley High School
2018: Poetry Winner – Katherine Neilson, Laney High School
2017: Essay Winner – Sarah Newton, Topsail High School
2017: Poetry Winner – Karleigh Kolander, Laney High School
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