SURREY Libraries on Thursday announced the winners of the 2025 Surrey Libraries Youth Writing Contest, an annual writing competition for youth aged 12-18.

The contest, which is free to enter, gives an opportunity for young writers to submit entries to one of four categories: short stories, poems, comics, and a random category for other types of writing such as essays, screenplays, or song lyrics.

Since launching the contest in 1987, Surrey Libraries has received nearly 9,000 entries from aspiring young writers from across Surrey. The winners were celebrated at an Awards Gala on October 15.

“Writing about my uncle’s death was extremely personal, and this contest gave me a safe space to share those feelings on paper while also providing the opportunity for my writing to be recognized,” said Japneet Kahlon, awarded Honourable Mention in the Random category. “It reminded me that writing can turn grief into something healing, both for myself and for others who might connect with my story. It makes me feel like my uncle’s memory is living on through my words, which is all I could possibly ask for.”

“Every year, I am amazed by the creativity and courage shown by Surrey’s young writers,” said Tricia Green, Youth Services Librarian and coordinator of the contest. “This competition is a celebration of voices, stories and dreams and Surrey Libraries is proud to help nurture the next generation of storytellers.”

“Participating in this contest gave me the validation I needed to trust my voice and showed me that my stories are worth sharing with the world,” said Angela Ziao, awarded First Place in the Comics category.

This popular program is organized by Surrey Libraries staff and is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including champion sponsors CUPE 402 and 402-02 Surrey City Workers and Surrey Library Workers, Khalsa Credit Union, and Surrey International Writers’ Conference.

An anthology of the winners’ work will be available to borrow from library branches and on sale for $8 in early November.

WINNERS:

Junior Short Story

First Prize: Yanna Yadav

Second Prize: Imrin Dhillon

Third Prize: Shyla Coan

Honourable Mention: Jia Li

Honourable Mention: Xinye Audrey Liu

Senior Short Story

First Prize: Iryna Zlomynoha

Second Prize: Reem El-Bakezzi

Third Prize: Arlin Adhikari

Honourable Mention: Hayley Giang

Honourable Mention: Jocelyn Mui

Junior Poetry

First Prize: Leana Bernardino

Second Prize: Maya Baker

Third Prize: Jolene Zhang

Honourable Mention: Luciana Tilgner

Honourable Mention: Lap Phan

Senior Poetry

First Prize: Jahmauri Inimgba

Second Prize: Isabella Wen

Third Prize: Alice Yu

Honourable Mention: Hanna Grover

Honourable Mention: Ria Jessa

Comics

First Prize: Angela Xiao

Second Prize: Ava Hudson

Third Prize: Noah Nhuk Som

Honourable Mention: Khrystine Calaramo

Honourable Mention: Vianka Parwani

Random

First Prize: Cadence Liao

Second Prize: Myreen Randhawa

Third Prize: Alveera Wahi

Honourable Mention: Japneet Kahlon

Honourable Mention: Esther Yeong