Personal Essay Contest // 2025

Since 2018, The Writing Center@PVCC has hosted the
Walt Kehoe English 111 Personal Essay Contest to celebrate the voices and experiences of rising PVCC students. We are elated to share with you the 2025 winners. These essays were all originally written as assignments in English 111 classes in the spring, summer, or fall 2025 semesters. Writing Center staff read and scored the entries. Within this website, you will find information regarding the Personal Essay Contest's namesake, the three winners, the three honorable mentions, and have the opportunity to view winners from previous years. We received many poignant narratives, and we thank everyone who submitted for permitting us read their stories. The winning essays excelled in their creative use of language, inventive storytelling, and distinctive voice. All featured essays appear as submitted and reflect the work of emerging writers. Please enjoy.