Announcing the KYD School Prize 2025 Winner

‘Le Triangle’ by Valerie Yu
(Year 12, Brisbane Girls Grammar School, QLD)

Judge’s Report by Suzy Garcia, editor of Kill Your Darlings magazine

Valerie Yu makes me excited about the next generation of authors. Her short story is an evocative and biting exploration of what it means to be on the cusp of womanhood in a world informed by patriarchal expectations, shaping girls from the very tips of their hair to as far deep as their hearts’ desires. It masterfully explores the theme of leadership by examining friendship, peer pressure and the looming menace of external forces and socio-political influences, as well as creating interesting parallels between human beings and the animal kingdom. Woman or creature, man or beast? Who can tell? Read ‘Le Triangle’ here.

I’d also like to make special mention of two highly commended entries in the prize:

‘The Boy Who Held The Roof Up’ by Abigail Lynch
(Year 9, Busselton Senior High School, WA)

A poignant examination of grief and the responsibility that can be burdened on children in the aftermath of the death of a parent. The prose is vivid and clear, and the story has an emotional weight to it that makes the reader invested and moved.

‘Matriarchy’ by India Green
(Year 12, St Michael’s Collegiate, TAS)

Vibrant and energetic, this creative non-fiction exploration of female friendship in quick time offers a vivid rendering of what it means to move through the world as a woman. Green’s unique voice frames feminist explorations in an original way, making canny contrasts with the natural world that illuminate alternative ways of being.

General Judging Comments:

It’s so refreshing to read writing by young adults—they’re not afraid to be daring, to shock you, to make you weep, to make you laugh! They like to keep readers hooked, perhaps because what seems to drive their writing is excitement and amusement, chasing the thrill of what interests them unashamedly. I hope all the students who entered this prize do not lose that spark—continue to be unabashed and keep your heart on your sleeve. But most of all, write the work that makes you tick. The enthusiasm is contagious. Reading through these submissions only made me more thrilled for what’s to come from this country’s young literary minds.