The competition, held in celebration of Book Week 2025, invited high school students to submit short stories inspired by the theme ‘An Edward River Adventure’.
The standout storyteller in the Year 7/8 section was Grace Kelly, with Harley Benger named runner-up.
Eden Lilford-Hansen won the Year 9/10 section, with Enzo Sztejman runner-up.
Entries were judged anonymously by a panel comprising Councillor Shirlee Burge, Deniliquin High School’s head English teacher Krista Ladson, and Edward River Library coordinator Christine Evola.
Submissions were scored on characterisation, plot, theme, setting and atmosphere, writing quality, mechanics, and overall passion.
The panel was impressed by the diversity of subjects explored and the creativity shown by the young writers, with each story offering a unique perspective on the Edward River region.
“I’ve been blown away by the imagination in the submissions, even the titles had me excited to read them,” Mrs Evola said.
“It’s fantastic to see this kind of talent coming through our local schools, and it’s exactly what drives young people to think bigger and go out into the world,” Cr Burge added.
Grace and Eden have won $250 in vouchers to be spent locally, with Harley and Enzo winning $50 vouchers.
Excerpts from Grace and Eden’s winning stories have been provided below.
They will also be added to Edward River Library’s Local History Collection, ensuring these young voices become part of the region’s literary legacy.
This collaboration between Deni High School and Edward River Council was just one of programs implemented this year to encourage high school students to engage with Book Week.
The school has also run its own ‘promote your favourite book’ poster competition, and a literary maps' competition.
Students have also been encouraged to take a picture reading in an adventurous place, matching with the Book Week theme of ‘Book An Adventure’.
The school’s Book Week celebrations, which encourage dressing as your favourite character, is being held today.
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