We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Mary Ann Hutchison Memorial Story Contest for Youth 9-17 years of age.
The judges chose the winning mystery stories from a large pool of entries received from around the U.S. and the world.
We congratulate every contest participant. We received many outstanding short stories. The judges were impressed with the talent these young writers exhibited. It took several hours to narrow the field to the top four stories. The judges ended with a tie for third place and only later discovered both stories were written by the same author.
Every contest entrant receives a certificate of participation and comments on their stories from the judges. The top three place winners and their bios and links to the stories are posted below, in our newsletter and on our Facebook page. Honorable mentions are also posted by name. Sign up on the Home page of this website or e-mail membership@arizonamysterywriters.com for a free copy of the AMW newsletter.
Place Winners 14 to 17 year olds
Maya Joffe 1st Place 14-17 for Blueberry Pie
Maya Joffe is a freshman at Arizona College Prep High School with a deep passion for storytelling. An avid reader and writer, she spends much of her free time imagining new worlds and crafting original narratives. Maya is also a dedicated performer, having taken part in numerous musicals and stage productions. Beyond the arts, she has earned awards in science fairs and civics competitions, reflecting her wide-ranging talents. Maya aspires to a future career in creative writing, where she hopes to inspire others and see her work celebrated alongside her favorite authors.
Judges’ comments on Maya’s story:
“Great opening sentence! Setting and characters are clearly delineated and overall nice plotting. Excellent writing and ready to publish with some finishing touches.”
“The product of a very fertile imagination! Good prospects for this writer.”
Blueberry Pie: CLICK HERE to read the story
Isabella Knurzynski 2nd Place 14-17 for Beyond Oblivion
Isabella Knurzynski is a junior in South River High School, and a young poet residing in South River, NJ. She has a passion for helping others, and nature. In her free time, she listens to music, writes poetry, and plays video games.
Judges’ comments on Isabella’s story:
“This could be an episode of the TV series “Locke and Key. This could be an episode of the TV series “Locke and Key. Made me want to read more.”
“Good use of descriptions: I stared at the old, floral wallpaper, feeling a mix of comfort and unease.”
Beyond Oblivion: CLICK HERE to read the story
Neythri Joshi 3rd Place 14-17 for Countdown
Neythri is a freshman at Arizona College Prep High School in Chandler, AZ. She enjoys crafting suspenseful plots and occasionally delves into dystopian and sci-fi themes. In her free time, she draws original characters and is a die-hard Beatles fan. She aspires to pursue a career in scientific research while continuing to achieve great things in the world of creative literature.
Judges’ comments on Tisya’s story:
Judges’ comments on Neythri’s story:
“Your story was very well written. I enjoyed reading it and couldn’t wait to see what came next. I love the plot twist at the end, and you tied everything in nicely. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Please continue to explore your writing.”
“Even though I wouldn’t normally pick up a book with such dark humor, I enjoyed this story thoroughly. You have a talent for storytelling, and I hope you continue to write! I consider it an honor to have had the pleasure of reading your essay.”
Countdown: CLICK HERE to read the story
Honorable Mentions 14- to 17-year-olds (in no particular order): |
|
|---|---|
| Wideline Cenoble | It Was Always my Fault |
| Sophya Habib Romig | The Grandfather Clock |
| Caroline Hart | A Night in Willowbrook |
| Sanya Singh | My Kind |
Place Winners 9 to 13 year olds
Ritvikaa Naveen Kumar 1st Place 9-13 for Inheritance of Lies
Ritvikaa is a teenage writer from the Bay Area. She loves science, baking, and playing soccer. In her free time, she enjoys reading books and listening to music.
Judges’ comments about Ritvikaa’s story:
“Thank you for entering this contest and providing a well-structured and entertaining mystery. Please keep writing!”
“Tightly plotted, which is hard to do in such a short story. This writer has a lot of potential.”
Inheritance of Lies: CLICK HERE to read the story
Alice Filardi 2nd Place 9-13 for The Storage Unit
My name is Alice Filardi. I was 12 when I wrote the story but am now 13. I live in Arizona, and I am in 7th grade. When I grow up I plan to be a nurse or teacher and an author. In my free time I like to dance, listen to music, and hangout with my best friend Emersyn.
Judges’ comments about Alice’s story:
“Had me on the edge of my seat. I really like your writing style and hope that you continue to explore it.”
“This is a perfect example of a mystery story. I am 100% satisfied with this story. I even called my sister and read it to her. Keep up the good work and never stop writing!”
The Storage Unit: CLICK HERE to read the story
R.M. Ahmed 3rd Place 9-13 for Beneath the Glass
No bio available. Olivia lives in Arizona.
Judges’ comments About R.M.’s story:
“This story draws you in from the start. The author is far more mature than their age would indicate. This is a much higher level than one would expect. This story is ready for Prime Time.”
“The story is a detective story, has good bones!”
Beneath the Glass: CLICK HERE to read the story
Honorable Mentions 9- to 13-year-olds (in no particular order): |
|
|---|---|
| Annabelle Huebner | Candle-Lit |
| Pham Khanh | Ransacked Sushi |
| Amy Long | Reflections |
| Avnita Naresh | Baking Cookies |
| Viraaj Pabolu | The Mystery of the Kid in the Haunted House and the Graveyard |
| Ty Perryman | French Masterpiece |
| Pranav Rajsh | Keeper Of Destruction |
| Sahana Somasundaram | Ring of Resilience |
| Sowmya Varadharajan | Lilian? |
| Yuehan Yao | The Artist's Eye |
| Junhee Yu | Low Mountains Town |
| Junsang Yu | The Red Stain |
Comments from entrants and parents:
- Thank you for sharing this wonderful news! This was my daughter’s FIRST completed story, so this event has definitely encouraged her as an aspiring writer! Thank you for all you do.
- Thank you so much for this opportunity! I am honored to be recognized through this amazing contest.
- Words cannot express how happy I am to have participated in this contest and to receive such kind feedback!
- Whoo Hoo! Such great news.
- Thank you for awarding my story with an Honorable Mention and for sending detailed feedback. I will certainly participate again in the future.
