Please watch for updates in the coming months as to when the Student Writing Contest will open for 2026 on Google. It is open to any current HPHS student. Winning entries will be announced at the Student Awards Breakfast, and winners may be approached by the Tartan for possible publication.
Each submission—with the exception of Visual Storytelling—must:
- Be titled
- Be typed
- Be double-spaced
- Show your student ID # in the upper right corner of each page
Do NOT include your name on any of your submissions. - Be submitted online via Google. Due date TBA.
Short Fiction
- Must not exceed 1,500 words
- Must be marked “FICTION” at the top of first page
Poetry
- Must not exceed fifty lines
- Must be marked “POEM” at the top of first page
Narrative Nonfiction
- Must not exceed 1,500 words
- Must be marked “ESSAY” at the top of first page
Screenwriting
- Script between 1-70 pages
Visual Storytelling Category
- Although this category is not limited to only graphic novel submissions, it must encompass both a visual element and storytelling.
- Submissions must be digital because it will be submitted through Google. Although it can be created by hand, it needs to be scanned / photographed in order to do so.
- Submissions must be between 1 and 50 pages.
- Do not include your name on any page(s).
- On your title page, make sure to include your student ID in lieu of your name.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 WINNERS!
Poetry:
- 1st: Allison Vandermosten – “Between the Tracks”
- 2nd: Madi Furgeson – “The Monster Under My Bed“
- 3rd: Catherine Young – “The Boating Party“
- Honorable Mention: Catherine Young – “Parallel“
- Honorable Mention: Tristan Sun – “The Move“
Short Fiction:
- 1st: Chiara Shawver – “The Rising Dawn”
- 2nd: Sarah Soleman – “The Last Kulfi Makers“
- 3rd: Marissa Curry – “Memories a Stone’s Throw Away“
- Honorable Mention: Marissa Curry – “Blind Faith“
- Honorable Mention: Catherine Young – “The Lone Sailor“
Narrative Nonfiction:
- 1st: Allison Vandermosten – “A Melody We All Share”
- 2nd: Marissa Curry – “Fear Like Artemis”
- 3rd: Tristan Sun – “A Universal Love Language“
- Honorable Mention: Tristan Sun – “Resilience“
- Honorable Mention: Serena Liu – “Byproducts of a Suppressed Hobby“
Screenwriting:
- 1st: Catherine Young and Connor McCutchan – “The Fall“
- 2nd: Sarah Soleman – “The Last Threads of the Souk“
Visual Storytelling:
- 1st: Preston Houghton – “Breath Cacophony“
- 2nd: Bethany Morley – “Greatest Fear”
The HP LitFest Annual Awards Breakfast was made possible through the generosity of the family of Warren Mills Hutcheson, in his memory. The HP LitFest thanks the HPHS English faculty, La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, HP Arts, HPHS PTA, PC-TAG and HPISD families for their generous support.