For current InGenius Prep students only.
the golden quill literary prize
A creative writing competition that invites middle and high school students to showcase their appreciation for literature and share original work.
use your voice and unlock your potential
The Golden Quill Literary Prize is a new and exclusive writing competition for InGenius Prep students in grades 7 to 12. Our goal is to stimulate creative writing while recognizing and celebrating our students' exceptional abilities. This competition offers young writers the opportunity to become more confident in their self-expression, develop their voice, and enhance their college applications.
Students are welcome to submit any genre of fiction or nonfiction writing, as long as they align with the prompts given for their grade categories. Also, we encourage participants to explore their creativity across all styles and forms of storytelling.
The Spring run of this competition is currently open!
Submission deadline is March 1, 2026.
7th and 8th Grade Categories
Maximum word count: 1,000
Fiction: Fictional Character – “Inventions and their aftermath”
- Prompt: Write a story about a fictional character who invents something new that never existed...and the consequences.
- Historical Fiction Option: Write a story involving a famous invention and its aftermath
- Examples: Airplane, Wright Brothers, 1903; Gears, China, 4th Century BC
Non-Fiction: The How-To Essay
- Explain something you know how to do well. Start with a mistake beginners often make, then show how you learned to do it correctly. What do most people misunderstand about it?
- Examples: How to Make the Best grilled Cheese Sandwich in the World, How to Prepare for a Day at the Beach
9th to 12th Grade Categories
Maximum word count:1,500
Fiction: Speculative Fiction– “Portals”
- Prompt: Write a short story about a portal. Who finds it? Who goes through it? Where do they end up and what happens? Does it have an impact on the "real" world?
Non-Fiction:
Prompt 1: Personal Narrative – “Vulnerability Meets Courage”
- Write a true story about a weakness or a situation where you felt vulnerable that became the source of your greatest courage.
Prompt 2: Travel essays – “The trip that shook my life”
- Write a non-fiction essay about a trip that completely changed your perspective - about the place you visited, the world in general, the people you travelled with, or humanity in general.
prizes and recognition
Gold Award
Silver Award
Silver Award
Award certificate
$200 Amazon gift card
Publication in the Legacy Gazette - Special Issue
Special recognition during
the LIL Showcase
Silver Award
Silver Award
Silver Award
Award certificate
$100 Amazon gift card
Publication in the Legacy Gazette - Special Issue
Recognition during
the LIL Showcase
Bronze Award
Silver Award
Bronze Award
Award Certificate
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Publication in the Legacy Gazette - Special Issue
Recognition during
the LIL Showcase
fall 2025 run - winners!
Grade 7 to Grade 8 Category
Grade 9 to Grade 12 Category
Grade 9 to Grade 12 Category
GOLD AWARD: Dongjhu Huang
SILVER AWARD: Melody Cai
BRONZE AWARD: Zerui Yan
Grade 9 to Grade 12 Category
Grade 9 to Grade 12 Category
Grade 9 to Grade 12 Category
GOLD AWARD: Caitlin Liao
GOLD AWARD: Yixia Fan
GOLD AWARD: Rupert Lian
GOLD AWARD: Yuriy Rogachev
SILVER AWARD: Emily Yang
BRONZE AWARD: Cracia Chen
ENTER the golden quill literary prize
Become a Golden Quill Student Judge
Applications are currently open!