Start writing your stories NOW for the 2025 Smoky Hills PBS KIDS Writers Contest!

The Smoky Hills PBS KIDS Writers Contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. 

How the Contest Works

Kansas children in grades 1st - 5th are encouraged to write and illustrate stories and submit them to Smoky Hills PBS, which will award prizes.  

Winners:  There will be three (3) winners in each grade level, fifteen (15) total winners.  

First Grade - first place, second place, third place;  Second Grade - first place, second place, third place;  Third Grade - first place, second place, third place;  Fourth Grade - first place, second place, third place;  Fifth Grade - first place, second place, third place.

**A panel of judges will select the 2025 winners and winners will be announced in May 2025 during the premiere of an award show on Smoky Hills PBS.

Prizes:  All winning entries will receive a prize package, their stories published on SmokyHillsPBS.org and SHPBS social media platforms, and featured on the 2025 Smoky Hills PBS KIDS Award Show.   

 

Proud sponsor of the 2025 contest!

This packet contains a series of resources to help children break down the process of story writing.  It includes activities to help children with brainstorming, revising, and illustrating.

Contest is open for entries! All entries must be accompanied by an entry form and must be postmarked by February 24, 2025. 

**Click below to read the contest rules carefully before entering. 

Mail stories to: 

Smoky Hills PBS 

PO Box 9

Bunker Hill, KS  67626

**Each story submitted must be accompanied by a completed entry form. 

February 24th, 2025

Thank you to everyone who entered our 2024 PBS KIDS Writers Contest

Scroll down to explore our winning stories and meet the brilliant young authors behind them!

• First Place - Happy Love by Madelyn C. - Osborne Elementary - Osborne
• Second Place - The Lost Animals by Maverick Nicholson - Osborne Elementary - Osborne
• Third Place - Daisy's Flower by Mila LeSage - Lincoln Elementary - Hays

• First Place - The Missing Horse Named Winner by Karlie Gasper - Osborne Elementary - Osborne
• Second Place - An Adventure With Friends! by Owen Mai - Smart Cookies Tutoring - Russell
• Third Place - Wonderful Places  by Everly Reimer - Meade Elementary - Meade

• First Place - Space Explorer by Lincoln Kelly - Otis-Bison Elementary - Timken
• Second Place - Dad's Birthday Weekend at Wilson Lake by Noah Fanshier - St. John-Hudson - St. John
• Third Place - Detective Peaches by Zoey Funk - Otis-Bison Elementary - Olmitz

• First Place - The Story of Lexi by Madison Mawhirter - St. John-Hudson Elementary - St. John
• Second Place - The Queen of Space by Clara Yust - Harvest Christian School - Ulysses
• Third Place - Hallie and Pablo by Hallie Bonner - St. John-Hudson Elementary - Stafford

• First Place - The Homeless Puppy by Andelyn Reimer - Meade Elementary - Meade
• Second Place - Little Owl's Shiny Gem by Gannon Klein - Jefferson Elementary - Great Bend
• Third Place - The Mountain by Daisy Scott - Jefferson Elementary - Great Bend

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I send in my child's story?

We accept stories all year long.  The deadline for stories is usually at the end of February.  Your entry must be postmarked by Feb. 24th.  

Where do I mail my entry?

Smoky Hills PBS

PO BOX 9

Bunker Hill, KS  67626

Can stories be dictated to an adult?

Yes. Children who cannot write may tell their story to an adult who will write it.

Does spelling Count?

No.  The judges do not consider spelling, 'best guess spelling' is okay.

Can clip art, coloring book characters, or stickers be added to illustrations? Can someone else make my illustrations?  No. Your illustrations need to be your own work. 

Do I need to bind my story?  No. We will accept your story whether it is bound, stapled, or simply paper-clipped.

Will I get my original story back?

If you would like your original story back, include an envelope and postage when you mail in your story. After judging is concluded, we will mail back your original copy in the envelope you provide.

When will the stories be judged, and how are they judged?

Stories will be judged from March through early April.  Stories are

judged on originality, creative expression, storytelling, illustrations, and overall impression.  Some things that make a story special include colorful art; a unique story; a story with a good beginning, middle, and end; illustrations that match the story; attention to details; and following the contest rules.

How will I know if my story won?

Smoky Hills PBS will announce winners through a 30-minute production where we read the winner's stories.  The names of finalists and winners will be posted on our website the same day the production airs.  The Writer's Contest Winners show airs in May. More details on this will be announced in April.  

For more questions or inquiries, please contact shptv@shptv.org