Writing Contests

**For help submitting your writing, email Mrs. Sindt at sindt.kathleen@westside66.net

• Virginia Frank Writing Contest - Submission deadline Feb. 20th, 2026 - get your rough drafts to me by Friday, Feb. 13th and I'll help you edit them! 

• The Omaha Storm Chasers are partnering with Nebraska State Treasurer, Joey Spellerberg, for the “Why I Want to Go to College” writing sweepstakes. Entries must be postmarked by March 16, 2026.

  • Students in grades 7 and 8 are asked to reflect on the value of education and what they hope to achieve through education after high school.

  • Essays should be limited to 750 words

  • Three winners will be chosen from each of Nebraska’s three Congressional districts, and three winners will be chosen from outside Nebraska.

  • Winners will receive contributions to the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST 529) college savings accounts – including $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place. NEST 529 is the state-sponsored college savings program that allows for tax-advantaged investments and tax-free qualified withdrawals.

  • Each Nebraska winner will receive four tickets to the May 3, 2026, Storm Chasers game at Werner Park in Papillion. During the game, winners will be recognized during a brief ceremony prior to the first pitch.

  •  Entries should be sent with a cover sheet to Alexis Smith, Omaha Storm Chasers, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046.

  • Cover Sheet & Rules and Additional Details

• Bess Streeter Aldrich Short Story Contest - Submission deadline April 15, 2026

  • To honor NE author Bess Streeter Aldrich and recognize outstanding writing, the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation announces its 2026 Short Story Contest. 

    • Prizes: Middle School (grades 6 - 8 ): 

      • 1st Prize $50

      • 2nd Prize $25

      • 3rd Prize $15

  • Click the link for more information

• Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest - Spring of 2026

Contests are also posted here:

 https://ey.westside66.org/category/other-events-contests/

Battle of the Books

2025-26 Middle School Book List

1. A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall – Jasmine Warga

2. Kareem Between - Shafa Saltagi Safadi

3. The Wrong Way Home – Kate O’Shaughnessy

4. The Night War – Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

5. The Bletchley Riddle – Ruta Septys and Steve Shenkin

6. Not Quite a Ghost – Anne Ursu

7. The First State of Being – Erin Estrada Kelly

8. Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie – Jordan Sonnenblick

9. The Crossover – Kwame Alexander

10. Operation Do Over – Gordon Korman

Contact the WMS librarian, Mrs. Saetveit, if you are interested in participating in BOTB!