Microstory Contest Past Winners

2025 UI 100-Word Microstory Contest, Winning Stories and Honorable Mentions

Grades 3 & 4: "The Winner" by Juno L., Iowa, Prompt A

Grades 5 & 6: "I Wish" by Emily D., Iowa, Prompt B

Grades 7 & 8: "The Last Sip" by Grace H., Wisconsin, Prompt B

Grades 9–12: "A Booth for Two" by Kylie R., Iowa, Prompt B

Adult, University of Iowa Alumni: “Discoveries” by Jamie Hansen (09BA), Illinois, Prompt B

Adult, Friend of the University: “Champion” by Joe Yockey, Iowa, Prompt A

Honorable Mentions

2024 UI 100-Word Microstory Contest, Winning Stories and Honorable Mentions

• Grades 3 & 4: “The Newspaper” by Felicity N., Iowa (Prompt B)
• Grades 5 & 6: “How George Was On TV” by Nora N., Iowa (Prompt A)
• Grades 7 & 8: “A Journalist’s Passion” by Edie B., Texas (Prompt A)
• Grades 9–12: “Stars and Stripes” by Vienna R., Iowa (Prompt A)
• Adult, University of Iowa Alumni: “Hot Off the Press” by Melissa Erbes (02BA), Iowa (Prompt B)
• Adult, Non-Alumni: “Diverging” by Jill Renkey, Maryland (Prompt A)

Honorable Mentions

2023 UI 100-Word Microstory Contest, Winning Stories and Honorable Mentions

• Grades 3 & 4: “Band Music” by Emily D., Iowa (Prompt B)
• Grades 5 & 6: “Caitlin’s Dream” by Lillian H., California (Prompt B)
• Grades 7 & 8: “Harmony Resonates” by Joey N., Iowa (Prompt B)
• Grades 9–12: “The Strong Wind” by Casper N., Iowa (Prompt A)
• Adult, Non-Alumni: “Hatched” by Kathryn Kenyon, Iowa (Prompt A)
• Adult, University of Iowa Alumni: “With Me Again” by Alison Reeger Cook (04BA), Washington (Prompt B)

• Honorable Mentions

Thanks to all who participated, and be on the lookout for Write Now again next year. In the meantime, enjoy reading these amazing tales from your fellow Hawkeyes!