Perhaps reflecting a year dominated by war, massive layoffs and political gridlock, the winning entries in the Weekly's 18th annual Short Story Contest touch upon dark topics. This year's winners in the adult categories relate tales of sisters mourning their dead brother, the plight of an imprisoned Iraqi student and the hidden secrets of a seemingly heroic individual. Each presents a compelling portrait of the shadows that haunt one's life, yet also speak to the resilience of the human soul.

We would like to thank all the contestants who entered this year's contest and invite the community to submit their works next year.

Thanks to our Sponsors:
Bell's Books in Palo Alto, Kepler's Books & Magazines in Menlo Park and Linden Tree Children's Books & Records in Los Altos

First Place
Alison Derbenwick,
Very Truly Yours, John Ashcroft

Second Place
Jeffrey Vamos
Scout's Honor

Short Story Contest winner plagiarized from novel
Weekly revokes first-place prize
| Posted Friday, December 12, 2003, 7:30 a.m. |

This year's youth winners of the Weekly's 18th annual Short Story Contest have wonderfully vivid imaginations and are advanced storytellers. We thank all who participated in the contest and welcome submissions for next year.

Children 9-11

First Place
Maia Shoham, The Blizzard

Second Place
Charlie Lin,
Life Goes On

Third Place
Carolyn Rennels, Better A Man

Teen 12-14

Second Place
Daniele Napoli, Maxwell and the Faerie

Third Place
Sara Kwasnick, Advice

Young Adult 15-18

First Place
Stephanie Wilson, The Fourteen Club

Second Place
Anna Hartley, Hunger

Third Place
Kim Schisler
To See The Way That Light Attaches To A Girl