2024 Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest Winners

The Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest is held each spring to recognize the creative writing talent of area students in grades 5-8. Students must submit an original work of fiction that features a character from a book they have read on their own and enjoyed. The contest began in 2003 and is named in honor of a longtime Friends of Omaha Public Library volunteer. Virginia Frank’s passion for students and young people inspired everyone around her, and her enthusiasm encouraged many students to explore their creative writing talents.

Winning essays can be read at omahalibrary.org/teens

FIFTH GRADE WINNERS

1st – Anna Potts for “Before the War,” Homeschool

2nd – Kyle Martin for “The Protector,” Cottonwood Elementary

3rd – Aleah Adams for “Perfect,” St. Vincent de Paul

SIXTH GRADE WINNERS

1st – Mason Estep for “Weird Things Are Happening to Me,” Trinity Classical Academy

2nd – Melaney Burt for “A Wizard’s Beginning,” Trinity Classical Academy

3rd – Elsie Christensen for “Quidditch Dream,” Trinity Classical Academy

SEVENTH GRADE WINNERS

1st – Lasya Kalamadugu for “The Secret,” Millard North Middle School

2nd – Sophia Collazo for “Misery,” Liberty Middle School

3rd – Minsu Lofties for “Dog Man: The Furtastic Showdown with Catnapper,” Westside Middle School

EIGHTH GRADE WINNERS

1st – Mya Bryant for “Post-War,” Elkhorn Ridge Middle School

2nd – Elise Mays for “Orchid’s Drive to Arkansas,” Westside Middle School

3rd – Abigail Kwon for “Words I Never Got to Say,” Elkhorn Grandview Middle School