May 10, 2025

Hays children among PBS KIDS Writers Contest area winners

Posted May 10, 2025 9:45 AM
<i>Smoky Hills PBS&nbsp;</i>
Smoky Hills PBS 

Smoky Hills PBS 

BUNKER HILL - Smoky Hills PBS (SHPBS) is thrilled to unveil the winners of the 2025 PBS KIDS Writers Contest. 

This year’s contest received an inspiring number of entries from students in grades 1 through 5, each one showcasing imagination, heart, and unique voices from our local communities in Central and Western Kansas.

The PBS KIDS Writers Contest encourages children to express their creativity through original stories and illustrations.  Entries are judged on originality, creative expression, storytelling, and integration of illustrations.

To read the winning stories and view the “Young Writers & Illustrators Award Show”, visit SmokyHillsPBS.org

The Award Show is also available to stream here:  2025 Award Show

2025 Smoky Hills PBS KIDS Writers Contest Winners 

First Grade

1st – Elaina Ballerina – Elaina Schroeder – Hays

2nd – The Kitty Rescue – Evelyn Johnson – Sterling

3rd – The Snow Monster Who Hates Christmas – Reata Schultze – Osborne Elementary

Second Grade

1st – The Babysitter – Mila LeSage - Hays

2nd – Butterscotch - Friends Forever - Elsie Mai – Smart Cookies Tutoring, Russell

3rd – Riley’s Surprise – Riley Schroeder - Hays

Third Grade

1st – Blueberry Jeffrey and His Adventure – Addison Little - Otis-Bison Elementary

2nd – The Discovery of the Huge Robot – Jake Brack – Otis-Bison Elementary 

3rd – Erik the Gnome Meets New Friends – Halle Cory - Otis-Bison Elementary

Fourth Grade

1st - The Sock – Chiara Lueger -  Beloit 

2nd – The Clock That Couldn’t Tick – Jenson Miller - Gorham

3rd – My Lake Trip – Bryce Irwin - Hays

Fifth Grade

1st – Zellie’s Lofty Dream – Rebekah Lueger – St. John’s Catholic School, Beloit 

2nd – Miss Kay’s Garden – Jayden Keller – Damar Elementary

3rd – Lucky The Lost Kitten – Brynn Halbleib – Oakley

Smoky Hills PBS extends a special thank you to all the teachers, parents, and caregivers who encouraged student to participate.  We are also grateful to Messer, the proud sponsor of the 2025 PBS KIDS Writers Contest!

For more information about Smoky Hills PBS and its educational initiatives, please visit SmokyHillsPBS.org.  Stay tuned for more information on the 2026 PBS KIDS Writers Contest!