About
Emerging young voices in the literary arts are celebrated through an annual juried event, publication, and awards ceremony.
Submission
Feb 1 - March 22, 2026
Event
May 30, 2026
Submitting Writing
The 21st Annual Celebration of Young Writers empowers students to share their love of writing with the world. We invite all public, private, and homeschooled students across Connecticut to submit their poetry and prose. This is your platform to express your creativity, share your stories, and connect with readers who value what you have to say.
Selections are made through a blind review by literary professionals who honor the individuality and imagination in each piece. These works will be published in the first-ever Celebration of Young Artists zine, alongside student photographs and artwork, giving young writers a lasting place in Connecticut’s literary community. Some writers will be featured on stage at ASAP! Celebrates Courage on May 30, 2026, giving interested students a chance to read their piece aloud to a live audience. All selected participants will receive a certificate of achievement from Senator Richard Blumenthal, and one writer will receive The Jean Farley Levy Award for Excellence in Writing.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
- Submissions are due by Sunday, March 22 at 11:59 pm
- All public, private, and homeschooled students in grades K-12 are eligible to submit.
- Only one entry per student is permitted
- Entries must be written by a single student
- Accepted formats: poetry, short story, short play, act from a play, song, essay (any poetry or prose!)
- Entries must be 400 words or less
- The use of AI generative tools is not permitted
- Teachers or parents may submit on behalf of a student
- Some of the Top Selected students will be asked to present their writing on stage at ASAP!’s annual fundraiser on May 30, 2026. Your availability and interest in presenting your piece on stage has no bearing on whether or not your piece is a Top Select.
WHAT ARE THE JUDGES LOOKING FOR?
We believe writing helps you discover who you are and understand the world around you. We celebrate every writer’s unique voice and remember that all artists—including our judges!—are always learning and growing.
The judges want to hear YOUR voice. What matters to you? What are you curious about? What’s your take on things?
Maybe you’re working on a poem with the perfect rhyme and rhythm. Maybe you’re writing about how people show kindness to each other. Maybe you’re exploring your connection to nature. Each of these takes different skills, and we want to hear about all of them.
Here’s what matters most: What do YOU want to say to the world through your writing? Your original ideas and perspective (even if you were inspired by another writer) are more important than being technically perfect.
When choosing pieces, our judges look for:
- Originality – Your unique perspective and fresh ideas
- Captivating storytelling – Writing that draws us in and makes us want to keep reading
- Technical skill – Your growing abilities with language, structure, and craft
Remember: We’re looking for authentic voices at every stage of development, from kindergarten through 12th grade. What you have to say matters.
THE JEAN FARLEY LEVY AWARD
The Jean Farley Levy Award for Excellence in Writing was established in 2025. Jean Farley Levy (1912–2003) was a pioneer in fashion advertising and had a lifelong passion for writing. After studying journalism, she worked as a copywriter for upscale New York City department stores. In 1955, she married gallerist Julien Levy, becoming his archivist and editor. Following Julien’s passing in 1981, Jean established the Jean and Julien Levy Foundation for the Arts, which has supported ASAP! for over 20 years. We are proud to honor her legacy with this award.
2025 TOP SELECTS
Daffodils by Anishka Maia Mittal, Grade 1
Just Dance by Jason Coppola, Grade 4
Dance of the Flames by Imogen Hotchkiss, Grade 5
A Witch’s Ballad by Niko Casados, Grade 8
Where I’m From by Khadicha Zaripbaeva, Grade 8
Rose Colored Lenses by Julia Bender, Grade 10
What the Ocean Knows by Francesca Howard, Grade 11
Dear Black Girl by Jadyn DeWitt-Smith, Grade 12
Submissions open February 1, 2026
Eligibility:
Students Grades K-12
Celebration of Young Writers was established with the help of Ellen and Frank McCourt, Ann and Denis Leary, and Susanna Salk.