Grades to 7th - 9th

Choose any one of the following prompts that speaks to you. You may click on the prompts for guidance on how you may relate your own work to each one.

Think about a time when you wondered about something—big or small.

  • What made you want to learn more?
  • Did curiosity lead you somewhere surprising, exciting, or even a little scary?
  • How does curiosity change how you see the world?

You can explore curiosity as a feeling, a moment, a journey, or even as a character.

Gratitude is the feeling of appreciating something or someone.

  • Who or what are you grateful for?
  • Has someone helped you or inspired you?
  • What small everyday things make your life better?

Show gratitude in a story, a poem, or a picture of something meaningful to you.

Compassion means noticing when someone is having a hard time and caring enough to help.

  • When have you shown compassion?
  • When has someone shown it to you?
  • How does compassion make relationships and communities stronger?

You might write or draw a scene where kindness changed an outcome.

Sadness is a natural part of life and can open the door to growth.

  • What does sadness feel like to you?
  • How do you move through it?
  • Did something good eventually come from a sad moment?

This prompt encourages students to express emotions in a healthy, creative way.

Integrity means doing the right thing—even when no one is watching.

  • Have you ever faced a tough choice and had to rely on your values?
  • What makes someone trustworthy?
  • How does integrity shape friendships and confidence?

You can explore honesty, courage, responsibility, or personal values.

Friendships can be strong even when people don’t think or act the same way.

  • Have you ever disagreed with a friend about something important?
  • How did you handle it—did you listen, compromise, or set boundaries?
  • What did the experience teach you about respect or communication?

This prompt encourages students to think about relationships, differences, and personal growth.

Think about the moment before, during, or after telling a lie.

  • Why might someone choose to lie—fear, embarrassment, pressure, or wanting to protect someone?
  • How does the lie affect you inside? Do you feel nervous, guilty, relieved, or confused?
  • What happens next?
    • Does the lie grow bigger?
    • Do you have to tell more lies to cover it up?
    • Does someone discover the truth?
    • Do you lose trust—or rebuild it?

You can create a story, a poem, or artwork showing:

  • A lie as a small spark that becomes a wildfire
  • A lie as a tangled knot that’s hard to undo
  • A character who must choose between honesty and avoiding consequences
  • What it feels like to fix a lie and tell the truth
  • How lies affect friendships, families, and communities

Tips for Winning Submissions

Use these ideas to make your writing or artwork stronger, clearer, and more personal.

  • Choose a prompt that genuinely speaks to you

    Your best work will come from a topic you feel connected to. Pick the prompt that makes you think, feel, or imagine the most.

  • Don’t rush — give yourself time to reflect. Submissions aren’t due until February.

    Spend a few minutes thinking about:

    • What the prompt means
    • What memories, feelings, or ideas come to mind
    • What message you want to share

    Good creativity often starts with quiet thinking.

  • Brainstorm before you begin

    Try making a quick list, mind map, sketch, or freewrite.
    This helps you gather ideas before choosing the strongest one.

  • Be honest and real

    The judges aren’t looking for fancy words — they’re looking for your voice.
    Write or create from your own experiences, imagination, and perspective.
    Authenticity stands out.

  • Show, don’t just tell

    Whether writing or creating art:

    • Use details
    • Create images in the audience’s mind
    • Let them feel the emotion, not just hear about it

    Example: Instead of “I was sad,” try describing a moment, setting, or action that shows sadness.

  • Take creative risks

    Try something new:

    • A different structure
    • A bold color choice
    • Metaphors, symbolism, or unusual perspectives

    Creativity thrives when you’re willing to experiment.

  • Revise, refine, and polish

    Great work comes from editing, not just inspiration.
    After your first draft or sketch:

    • Step away for a bit
    • Look again with fresh eyes
    • Ask: What can be clearer, stronger, or more expressive?

  • Read your work out loud (even if it feels silly!)

    Reading out loud helps you catch:

    • Awkward phrasing
    • Repetition
    • Missing words
    • Spots where the flow doesn’t feel right

    Artists can do something similar by stepping back to view their work from a distance.

  • Make sure your work reflects the prompt

    Creators often drift off-topic without realizing it.
    Check:

    • Did I explore the theme directly?
    • Does my piece clearly connect to the prompt?

  • Trust your voice — don’t try to “sound” like someone else

    Your point of view is what makes your work special.
    Lean into your style and personality.

  • Check the basics

    Before turning it in, do a double check:

    • Review the rules
    • Are words spelled correctly?
    • Does your piece look complete and intentional?
    • Do you follow the rules (page limits, materials, etc.)?

    These small details help your work shine.

  • Be proud of the effort, not just the outcome

    Creative work is brave – write, draw, paint, sculpt, or compose in the way that feels true to you.
    Finishing something meaningful is an accomplishment all by itself.