PBS KIDS Writers Contest

PBS KIDS Writers Contest

The PBS KIDS Writers Contest is the largest annual writing competition of its kind for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. In addition to providing an outlet for Southern Nevada children to explore their imagination and express their creativity, the PBS KIDS Writers Contest helps families and teachers use creative writing as a literacy building skill.

During the 2018 competition, Vegas PBS received 944 entries! Grade levels were judged separately by a panel of qualified professionals, based on originality, creative expression, storytelling technique, illustrations and overall impression. The top three winners in each grade level were honored at an awards ceremony at Vegas PBS on Monday, April 30, 2018.

Vegas PBS is proud to continue this yearly initiative through a sponsorship by Janice Allen. Thanks to Janice, all local winners received trophies, a hardcover version of their story, autographed books, and a custom backpack filled with additional reading and writing resources. Janice started writing as a small child, even producing a neighborhood newspaper while she was in grade school and writing a three-act play at the age of nine. Later, she worked at the Evening Review-Journal—which became the Las Vegas Review Journal—and had a career writing articles for national magazines, including Ladies' Home Journal, and working in television and radio production. Janice always has been passionate about sponsoring the annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest and has done so for four years. Janice truly demonstrates the heart of philanthropy and we thank her for her continued support!

Thanks to a generous partnership with the Southern Nevada Writing Project, all six first place winners also received a scholarship to attend the organization’s annual Summer Youth Writing Camp, allowing students to enhance their talents under the guidance of skilled educators who possess a passion for teaching writing.