Creative Writing Contest

     The Hays Arts Council presents an annual creative writing contest in prose and poetry for Ellis County students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.  After works are submitted through anonymous codes, the FHSU English Department serves as the judging panel, chaired by faculty member, Morgan Chalfant.  Judges award 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & Honorable Mention awards.  

     With the support of the Optimist Fund through Heartland Community Foundation and HAC board member Jo Ann Jennings, books of the winning works are published and presented to winning students along with award ribbons during a ceremony & reception in the FHSU Memorial Union Ballroom. 

     The 2026 Creative Writing Awards Ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 26.

link to the 2026 contest details

link to the 2025 CREATIVE WRITING BOOK  (2021 through 2024 books below)