In honor of its twentieth year, Teen Voices magazine launched its first-ever international short-story contest, titled "20 under 20." The contest aimed to showcase the brilliant work of teen girl writers by inviting them to answer the question: "What does the word 'twenty' mean to you?" With over 75 submissions from 24 states and 6 countries, the response was truly incredible.
Adolescent Creativity Shines Through in "20 under 20" Contest
The contest called for stories that explored various themes such as overcoming challenges, personal growth, success, and making a difference in the world. Teen girls from the ages of 13 to 19 shared their powerful narratives, giving voice to their triumphs and struggles.
International Stories Showcased the Diversity of Experiences
The contest attracted submissions from around the globe, including Taiwan, Canada, England, South Africa, Egypt, and South Korea. The stories covered a wide range of topics, including experiences with domestic abuse, pursuing dreams like auditioning for talent shows, navigating loss and grief, and exploring themes of religion, politics, and science fiction.
Best-Selling Author Anita Diamant Judges the Winning Stories
Anita Diamant, acclaimed author of "The Red Tent," served as the judge for the contest. After careful consideration, Diamant selected the two top winners, Pavi Chance (13) from Edmonds, Washington, and Kay MacPhail (14) from Arlington, Massachusetts. Both writers showcased their talent by creating vivid scenes and complex characters within the limited word count of 1,200 words or less.
Recognition and Rewards for the Winners
Pavi Chance and Kay MacPhail, the two top winners, will be receiving Kindle e-readers as their prizes. Their compelling stories will also be published in the upcoming fall/winter issue of Teen Voices magazine. Additionally, Lally Ryan (18) from Loveland, Ohio, received the runner-up distinction and a year-long subscription to the magazine.
Spotlight on Semifinalists and Runners-Up
While not taking home the top prizes, the 17 semifinalists and runners-up deserve recognition for their exceptional storytelling. To celebrate their talent, Teen Voices will be featuring one story from each runner-up on their website every week, starting from June 6.
Teen Voices magazine has always been dedicated to empowering young voices and offering platforms for self-expression. Through initiatives like the "20 under 20" contest, it continues to foster creativity and amplify the stories of teen girls worldwide.
Donating to organizations like Teen Voices is a meaningful way to support the growth and development of young voices. By contributing to girl-generated media, you can help empower the next generation of storytellers and provide them with avenues to share their unique perspectives with the world.
Sources: Teen Voices Magazine
Cancun
- Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres
- Emporio Cancun
- Riu Palace Peninsula
- Canopy By Hilton Cancun La Isla
- Secrets The Vine Cancun Reviews
- Cancun Beach Resorts