High School Jessamyn West Writing Contest
JESSAMYN WEST
HIGH SCHOOL
Creative WRITING CONTEST
The English Department of Napa Valley College invites unpublished works of short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction for the 2026 Jessamyn West High School Creative Writing Contest. The contest is open to any student enrolled in a Napa County high school.
All winners will be invited to read from their selected entries at the Jessamyn West Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 6th 5:30-7:30 pm in the Community Room of the McCarthy Library at Napa Valley College.
A first prize of $100 and a second prize of $50 will be awarded in each category.
In addition, winners receive free entry to the public craft lectures and readings presented at the Napa Valley Writers’ Conference during the summer semester.
The deadline for receipt of entries is SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Entries will be judged by English Department faculty at Napa Valley College.
Direct any questions to Dr. Aaron DiFranco (adifranco@napavalley.edu)
See the “Click to Apply” link below or use the QR Code to get to the online entry form and submission guidelines.
Click Here To Apply
2025 Jessamyn West High School Award Winners:
Fiction: Professor Andrea Bewick, Fiction Judge
1st place: “True Solis”, Ginger Skillings
2nd place: “A Quiet Extinction”, Arya Adyhe
Creative Nonfiction: Professor Kristie Iwamoto, Creative Nonfiction Judge
1st place: “Knots that Never Come Undone”, Laizah Coronado
2nd place: “A Story Behind Vineyards”, Quetzaly Hernandez
Poetry: Professor Lisa Yanover, Poetry Judge
1st place: “Just a Word”, Michelle Wassef
2nd place: “Mi Luna”, Jorge Valenzuela