The 2023 KYD School Writing Prize invited entries from secondary school students that explore the idea of ‘growth’ in Australia and the world at large. Students from across the country entered ambitious stories and essays on a range of topics including climate change, mental health, social media, philosophy and politics.
We’re thrilled to announce Claudia Sherman (Year 12, Kilvington Grammar School, VIC) as the winner of this year’s prize. Claudia receives a $500 cash prize, publication in KYD and an invitation to perform her work at the Wheeler Centre Teen Gala this Saturday 2 December.
Claudia’s fictional piece ‘Slipping Away’ is a moving and meditative short story, with a unique approach to the prize theme, exploring the reversal of caretaker roles between ageing parents and their adult children.
The judges of this year’s School Writing Prize were author Leanne Hall and KYD editor Suzy Garcia. Read their full report here.
We’d also like to make special mention of two highly commended entries in the prize. These writers, in alphabetical order, are:
- ‘The Crossing’ by Sarah Rowland (Year 12, Churchlands Senior High School, WA)
- A compelling story about the bleak realities faced by people who live in regional Australia. Seen through the eyes of a young adult returning to their childhood town which faces grim social and environmental issues, the writing is vivid and engaging.
- ‘To Grow is to Exist’ by Larissa Liyanage (Year 11, Methodist Ladies’ College, WA)
- A lyrical piece of short fiction written about the journey from birth to death. An impressive and immersive experimental work that is daring in its use of form and language.
KYD and the judges congratulate all the students who submitted their work, and thank the teachers who supported their students in entering.
