Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest
The Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest is held each year in the spring to recognize the creative writing talent of area students in grades 5-8. Students must submit an original work of fiction under 750 words that features a character from a book they have read on their own and enjoyed. Stories can expand on the original story's plot or take the characters on a new adventure, there are no limitations!
Each winner receives a cash prize and certificate, is recognized in a ceremony, and has their story published on the library website. The school libraries of each winning student are also recognized with a matching cash prize.
The Friends of the Omaha Public Library honored the following 13 students in grades 5-8 for writing one of the top entries for their grade levels in the 2025 Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest. This year, 352 total stories were submitted to the annual contest, making these students' wins all the more noteworthy!
5th Grade
1. The 2nd Side of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf by Kyrav Rohatgi, Manchester Elementary School
2. Anne’s Costume Catastrophe by Katherine Stillman, Trinity Classical Academy
3. After I Survived the Canyon's Edge by Emma Anderson, Woodbrook Elementary School
6th Grade
1. A True Peace by Henry Houghton, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School
2. Rabbits & Rumblebumps by Makayla Robles, Elkhorn Ridge Middle School
3. Monster? RUN! by Aparna Vemmelesseril, Beadle Middle School
7th Grade
1. Endless Loop of Fear by Anannya Sahu, Aspen Creek Middle School
2. The First Thread: Rumpelstiltskin's Beginning by Violet Jackson, Trinity Classical Academy
3. The Colorful Enchanted Library by Airreanna Ketchum, Bluestem Middle School
8th Grade
1. Memories Long Forgotten by Lia Castro, Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School
2. My Beloved by Lauryn Bausch, Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School
3. Luck and a Letter by Angela Sim, Millard North Middle School
Honorable Mention: Side Effects of Death by Faren Sak, Westside Middle School