Sponsored in part by the Mathwig Family Charitable Trust
Congratulations to everyone who submitted stories in our 2026 Writers Contest!
Local librarians and educators chose winners in each grade level. Read the stories below!
KINDERGARTEN WINNERS
🥇First Place
The American Farmer
by Carter B., Bainville, MT
🥈Second Place
George Washington
by Nico F., Moorhead, MN
🥉Third Place
A President’s Story
by Hyker H., Fargo, ND
FIRST GRADE WINNERS
🥇First Place
The Cardiologist
by Wallace K., Grand Forks, ND
🥈Second Place
The American Revolution
by Liam B., Bismarck, ND
🥉Third Place
Things I Care About
by Walter G., Hallock, MN
SECOND GRADE WINNERS
🥇First Place
Celebrating America in My Small Town
by Aubrey B., Bainville, MT
🥈Second Place
The Butterfly Promise
by Ingrid E., Williston, ND
🥉Third Place
What America Means to Me — Bees
by Emma D., Devils Lake, ND
THIRD GRADE WINNERS
🥇First Place
The Beat of Pride
by Sawyer K., Fort Totten, ND
🥈Second Place
Deborah Sampson: A Female Soldier in Disguise
by Rachael T., Grand Forks, ND
🥉Third Place
The Popcorn Plan
by Lena C., Grand Forks, ND
FORTH GRADE WINNERS
🥇First Place
The Name Changer
by Sam P., Bismarck, ND
🥈Second Place
Freedom: As Bright As The Morning’s Light
by Noelle-Christy M. O. B., Crosby, ND
🥉Third Place
America is Amazing
by Nora J., Fargo, ND
FIFTH GRADE WINNERS
🥇First Place
Hopes and Dreams
by Evelyn D., Fargo, ND
🥈Second Place
The Secret of Hettlock Hill
by Lexington W., Bismarck, ND
🥉Third Place
Interviews
by Kieran S., Fargo, ND
Each year, children in Prairie Public's broadcast area from kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to write and illustrate their own stories to submit.
Every entrant is a winner and will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Top stories win prizes, and are featured on the radio and online.
