Celebrating student voices through writing contest

PASADENA, Texas — San Jacinto College welcomed young writers from across the region to its Central Campus Library on April 23 for the Second Annual Spring Writing Contest Awards Ceremony – an event that continues to grow as a celebration of creativity, courage, and student voice

The contest, organized by the English Department at Central Campus, invited high school students to submit original works in fiction, poetry, and essay writing, all centered around this year’s theme: Boldness. Submissions came from a range of campuses and grade levels, reflecting not only strong writing skills but also a willingness to explore identity, perspective, and personal expression.

Family members, educators, and college faculty filled the library to support the students and recognize their achievements – a reminder that storytelling remains a powerful way to connect classrooms, campuses, and communities.

Dr. DeRhonda McWaine, dean of Liberal Arts and Humanities, presented awards and applauded the students for embracing the theme in meaningful ways.

“This contest is about more than writing – it’s about giving students a platform to express who they are and how they see the world,” McWaine said. “Their work shows both courage and creativity, and that’s something worth celebrating.”

2026 Spring Writing Contest Winners

This year’s honorees include:

• Peyton Curtis, 11th grade, Clear Lake High School – “Clashing Ideals: Find Your Design”
  Curtis’s story stood out for its imaginative narrative and thoughtful exploration of identity and choice.
• Anya Fuqua, 9th grade, First Baptist Christian Academy – “They Needed Boldness”
  Fuqua impressed judges with a strong thematic focus and compelling storytelling.
• Eliat Rodriguez, 12th grade, Sam Rayburn High School – “What was Stitched in the Lining”
  Rodriguez’s poem was recognized for its vivid imagery and emotional depth.
• Naomi Maradiaga, 11th grade, Pasadena High School – “Boldness”
  Maradiaga delivered a reflective and articulate essay examining courage and self-expression.

Organized by the English Department at Central Campus, the Spring Writing Contest is part of the College’s broader effort to strengthen connections with local schools while encouraging academic engagement and creativity beyond the classroom

With another successful year complete, planning is already underway for the Third Annual Spring Writing Contest – an event that continues to highlight the transformative power of writing and the voices shaping the future.

For more information about future contests and academic opportunities, contact erin.callahan@sjcd.edu or susan.kostohryz@sjcd.edu.

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.