Grade to 10th - 12th

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.

Curiosity is often the turning point between who we are and who we may become.
Consider exploring:

  • A moment in your life when curiosity pushed you out of your comfort zone
  • The tension between wanting answers and fearing what you might discover
  • How curiosity shapes identity, relationships, or your view of the world
  • The consequences — positive or negative — of questioning norms or expectations

You might approach curiosity as a force, a flaw, a spark of rebellion, or a path to growth.

Gratitude is more than saying “thank you”—it’s an ability to see meaning in what might otherwise be overlooked.
Reflect on:

  • A person or experience that transformed your way of thinking
  • A moment when gratitude shifted your perspective during a difficult time
  • The complexity of feeling grateful while also wrestling with loss, uncertainty, or change
  • How gratitude shapes resilience or human connection

Your piece can explore gratitude as a quiet moment, a revelation, or a relationship.

Compassion requires both awareness and courage. It asks us to see beyond ourselves.
Think about:

  • A moment when you stepped into someone else’s pain — or wished you had
  • What drives or limits your capacity for compassion
  • How compassion can challenge social norms or inspire action
  • The difference between pity, sympathy, and genuine understanding

You can examine compassion on a personal, societal, or global scale.

Sadness can be isolating but also deeply humanizing. It reveals who we are and what we value.
Explore:

  • The complexity of carrying sadness while still showing up in daily life
  • How sadness can coexist with hope, humor, determination, or numbness
  • What sadness teaches us about love, connection, or identity
  • The ways people hide their sadness — or find strength in sharing it

This prompt invites honesty and emotional depth, without needing to disclose anything too personal.

Integrity is tested most intensely when the world pushes us in the opposite direction.
Consider:

  • A moment when doing the right thing felt costly or risky
  • The struggle between moral ideals and real-world pressures
  • How integrity shapes leadership, trust, or self-respect
  • Whether integrity is something you hold — or something you continually choose

Your piece can probe the gray areas where ethics collide with fear, loyalty, or ambition.

Lies often begin simply but rarely end that way.
Examine:

  • The psychological and relational consequences of deception
  • How one lie can alter identity, trust, or the course of a relationship
  • The difference between lies of self-protection and lies of manipulation
  • Whether lies can ever be justified — and who gets hurt either way

You might approach this through fiction, reflection, or symbolic imagery.

As people grow, their beliefs often grow with them — sometimes together, sometimes apart.
Explore:

  • A moment when a friendship was challenged by conflicting values, priorities, or identities
  • The complexities of maintaining closeness despite differences
  • How communication, boundaries, or empathy contribute to healthy conflict
  • When differences strengthen a friendship — and when they signal a shift or ending

This prompt invites nuanced reflection on loyalty, self-respect, and the evolving nature of relationships.

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.