This year, we received over 200 submissions from K–12 students across Connecticut. Our judges were moved by the range, depth, and bravery in every piece. To every student who submitted: thank you, and keep writing!
All CYW Top Selects will be featured in our first annual Celebration of Young Artists publication, alongside a selection of photographs by Celebration of Young Photographers Top Selects.
2026 TOP SELECTS
Music by Micah Barney, Grade 4
Say Yes To Less by Rikhia Nazafarin, Grade 4
Moon And Life by Anaya Gupta, Grade 5
One Story, Two Generations, Infinite Memories by Aarika Malhotra, Grade 5
My Perfect World by Aria Brown, Grade 5
Blame Lies by Bri Guerra, Grade 8
Decomposition by Daria Marshea, Grade 9
What The Brain Knows by Vansh Agrawal, Grade 11
Passenger by Miranda King, Grade 11
Ghosts by Sara Melton, Grade 11
Counting To Three by Elias Eid, Grade 12
Good Grief! by Amberleigh Quiles, Grade 12
Please join us for the publication release, awards ceremony, and live presentation of CYW pieces at ASAP! Celebrates Courage on Saturday, May 30 at Dehoek Farm in New Milford, CT. Our annual fundraising event will include live music, food, cocktails, and an art exhibition in celebration of our incredible community of students and supporters. Congratulations to this year’s Top Selects!