An Annual Writing Contest For Tampa Bay Area High Schools
CONTACT | PAST WINNERS | JUDGES
2023-2024 Contest Details
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The Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Award seeks to nurture and recognize the creativity and talent of young writers in the Tampa Bay area. It was established to encourage aspiring authors to explore the genres of science fiction and fantasy and to experiment with the short story format.
Entries are judged by a panel of experts including professional fantasy and science fiction authors and Tampa Bay Times staff.
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Grand Prize Winner
- $200
- Grand prize award plaque
- Winning story published on the contest website
Runners Up
- $25
- Award certificate
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Past Grand Prize Winners
2014 Alternate Times
Grand Prize Winner Brenna Garcia, Osceola Fundamental High School, "Fool's Gold."
2015 Future Times
Grand Prize Winner Shannon O'Shea, Shorecrest Preparatory School, "2050."
2016-2017 Fantastical Times
Grand Prize Winner Mindy Do, Wiregrass Ranch High School/Cypress Creek Middle High School, “A Thief’s Honor.”
2018 Frankenstein's Legacy
Grand Prize Winner Graham Hill, Plant High School, “To Whom It May Concern.”
2019-2020 I Never Wanted to be a Hero
Grand Prize Winner Rashi Lakhotia, Middleton High School, “Gunshot”
2020-2021 Red Planet
Grand Prize Winner Kaeleigh Dawson, Indian Rocks Christian School, “Wait, Our Brother is an Alien?!”
2021-2022 Fantastic Florida
Grand Prize Winner Lydia Cooper, home school, “Well Done”
2022-2023 Artificial Intelligence
Grand Prize Winner Jaari Moreno, East Lake High School, "Important Questions"
2023-2024 Alternate Florida
Grand Prize Winner Ava Elizabeth John, St. Petersburg High School, Pinellas County, “Required Reading”
