Celebrating Young Voices: Altrusa’s Commitment to Literacy and the 2025 Young Authors Contest
Each year, the Young Authors Contest, presented by Altrusa International of Tucson in partnership with the Tucson Festival of Books, showcases the creativity and storytelling talents of students across Southern Arizona. The contest invites students from kindergarten through 12th grade to submit original fictional stories or poems, fostering a love for writing and reading.
Fostering a Culture of Reading in Tucson
While the contest is a highlight, it’s just one piece of Altrusa Tucson’s year-round commitment to literacy and service. Members read to children in classrooms at Tully, Bonillas, and White Elementary Schools. They assist with organizing school libraries and support neighborhood Little Free Libraries by helping distribute unsold books from the Friends of the Pima County Public Library book sales. Local libraries support Altrusa’s efforts in encouraging creative writing for the summer Young Authors contest.
Altrusans also support literacy through creativity. Working with teachers and students, they helped create posters inspired by books written by authors presenting at the Tucson Festival of Books. These posters lined the hallways of the University of Arizona Education Building, welcoming festival attendees and featured authors alike.
A Festival Moment to Remember
On March 15, during the Tucson Festival of Books at the University of Arizona, Young Authors Contest winners were honored on the main stage. Each student received a $100 gift certificate, a certificate of achievement, and a copy of the published anthology featuring their original story or poem. Author and illustrator Tom Angleberger, of Origami Yoda fame, offered a keynote that inspired both students and families to keep writing and dreaming big.
Altrusa also gifted each winner a prize bag that included their anthology, a journal and pen to inspire continued writing, and an inspiring book generously provided by Marcia Lucas—to encourage their continued love of reading. The awards were presented by Altrusa Tucson President, Elda Lopez, and Cindy Clayburg, Chairman of the Young Artists Contest, who recognized each student by name as they crossed the stage.
A Private Celebration at Nanini Library
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On April 12, a more personal celebration was held at Nanini Library, where Altrusa hosted a private reception for contest winners, their families, and Altrusa members. Gail Dent, one of the program’s co-chairs and a member of the Altrusa Board of Directors, emceed the event.
At the reception, the young winning authors read their written creations aloud. Extra copies of the anthology were available for purchase for those who wanted to share the published work with family and friends.
The reception provided space for reflection, smiles, and plenty of proud photos. It was a meaningful conclusion to this year’s contest season—and a reminder of how impactful storytelling can be when nurtured by a community.
Congratulations to the 2025 Young Authors Contest Winners!
Elementary School Winners
• Yunde Chan, 2nd grade, Basis
• Jaden Li, 3rd grade, Basis
• Emilio Gomez, 3rd grade, Manzo Elementary
• Ava Timsina, 4th grade, Basis
• Grace Braun, 4th grade, Canyon View
• Lily Polk, 4th grade, Home School
• Yunming Ray Chan, 5th grade, Basis Tucson North
• Parker Hasting, 5th grade, Home School
• Caleb Johnston, 5th grade, Tanque Verde Elementary
• Etai Jabari Martin, 5th grade, Miles Exploratory Learning Center
• Miriam Howell, 5th grade, Ironwood Elementary
Middle School Winners
• Ella Taliaferro, 6th grade, Cross Middle School
• Jay Flach, 7th grade, Home School
• Susanna Ricks, 7th grade, Basis Tucson North
• Gavin Schafer, 8th grade, Hermosa Montessori School
• Rita Cai, 8th grade, Basis Tucson North
• Elizabeth Harwood, 8th grade, Arizona Virtual Academy
• Jeni Timsina, 8th grade, Basis
High School Winners
• Alyssa Lemire, 10th grade, Andrada Polytechnic High School
• Imelda Osborne, 12th grade, Osborne Catholic Homeschool Academy
• Eve Jones, 12th grade, Tanque Verde High School
Looking Ahead: Summer Contest Opens Soon
The Summer Young Authors Contest is just around the corner:
Entry forms will be available at Southern Arizona libraries starting in May. DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM.
The deadline for entries is July 19, 2025.
Students in grades K–12 are eligible.
Submissions must be original fictional stories or poems and accompanied by a signed entry form.
Summer winners are automatically entered into the main contest, which will be judged in January 2026.
Only winners will be notified in February.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to keep writing over the summer months and aim for recognition at next year’s Festival.
A True Collaboration
The success of the Young Authors Contest reflects the collaboration and passion of many Altrusa members. Program co-chairs Gail Dent, Bonnie McPherson, Elda Lopez, and Ann Banwell led the effort, supported by fellow members including Marcia Lucas, Gwen Gallegos, Sheila Hugunin, and Elaine Wilder. Most of the club participated in judging the entries during dedicated group sessions. Elda Lopez contacted all the winners and their families, not once but twice, and multiple members helped type entries and deliver anthologies to schools. Gail Dent compiled the Table of Contents and coordinated with Arizona Lithograph to print the final collection.
While literacy is a major focus, it’s one of many ways Altrusa serves the Tucson community. Members also contribute their time to programs like Days for Girls, The Haven, and support for military families.
Let’s discuss Altrusa Tucson’s programs and how you can get involved or contribute. Please email us HERE.
We’re proud to support Tucson’s young writers. Thank you to every student who entered and to the families and educators who encourage their creativity. We can’t wait to see what stories come next.