The Barbara Ann Williford Memorial High School Writing Contest
The WKU English Department sponsors annual writing contests in literature, composition, and creative writing for Kentucky high school students. The English Department invites finalists, their teachers, and family to campus for a reception and ceremony each year where they are recognized. The winners receive cash prizes: 1st place - $200; 2nd place - $125; 3rd place - $75 and Teacher's Choice - $100. Applications for the 2026 – 2027 Writing Contest available via the contest links at right.
The deadline for applications and submissions is February 27, 2027.
The date for the ceremony honoring finalists and winners is March 27, 2027.
The Barbara Ann Williford Memorial High
School Writing Contest 2026 Winners
Creative Writing Winners
1st
Jiwoo Kim
“For One Day”
Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science
2nd
Leah Riggs
“My Stuffed Bunny”
Central Hardin High School
3rd
Fatuma Abdikadir
"A Spark of Joy"
Fairdale High School
Personal Essay Winners
1st
Hayaa Shoaib
“Finding Joy”
Greenwood High School
2nd
Olivia Baird
“All the Blessings I Failed to See”
Allen County Scottsville High School
3rd
Gabriella Pearson
“A Trace of Light”
Greenwood High School
Teacher’s Choice Winner
Audrey Harris
“The Cottage”
Sacred Heart Academy
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.