Cayman Parent's fourth annual story writing competition proved yet again that our islands are bursting with talented story writers. Hundreds of entries were received brimming with imaginative islands and swashbuckling adventures.
Competition Writing Topic
In 2026 we asked budding writers to send us their tales titled 'Shipwrecked! Tales from an Unknown Isle'.
Prizes
Children could enter their stories in one of three age categories, with the chance of winning some incredible prizes. A huge thank you to Ambassadors of the Environment, Camana Bay, Cayman Crystal Caves, Cayman Parrot Sanctuary, Cayman Turtle Centre, Kirk Office, National Trust for the Cayman Islands, Book Nook and Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park for sponsoring these wonderful prizes.
Winners & Runners Up
Age 6-8 Category
Winner: Adeline Gouveia, Island Primary
Runner Up: Elizabeth Reynolds, Footsteps School
Age 9-11 Category
Winner: Heavenly Bodden, Theoline McCoy Primary School
Runner Up: Alana Lawrence, Prospect Primary
Age 12-14 Category
Winner: Elijah Gorter, Cayman Prep & High School
Runner Up: Teagan Simpson, John Gray High School
Congratulations and thank you to everyone who took part!
Judges
To ensure impartiality, three independent judges were selected. With so many original and inspiring submissions from children across all three islands to read, the judges had the difficult task of picking just three winners and three runners up. Read on to hear their reaction to the wonderful stories!
Dr Shari Smith
Ministry of Education"I enjoyed reading the children’s stories of their magical adventures. The creativity and imagination was brilliant. The use of humor, magic and mystery to bring their stories alive was quite good. I hope they will continue to use their imagination and creativity in all things." Judge of the age 6-8 category.
Paullete McField
Author"Each of your stories was very enjoyable to read. The creativity exhibited by the participants between the ages of nine and eleven is amazing. It was obvious that the participants took time to develop the characters, plots, and small details of their stories. I would like to encourage everyone who participated in the contest to continue writing; you may very well inspire others to chase their dreams. You have done an amazing job with your stories!" Judge of the age 9-11 category.
Juliet Austin
Education & Outreach Coordinator at LIFE Ltd (Literacy is for Everyone)"Congratulations to all entrants! Your creative interpretations of the stimulus demonstrated keen imaginations at play. Crafting a short story that is economical yet powerful takes immense skill, but you met the challenge. The most successful entries hooked us immediately with vivid setups, built rising tension through clear structure, and delivered well-executed resolutions. I especially appreciated imagery that showed rather than told, evocative sensory detail and vocabulary to establish atmosphere, and driven narratives that kept me enthralled. A special nod to those who drew on the Cayman environment and wove in historical elements. The winner and runner-up balanced all these elements with skill and confidence. Bravo!" Judge of the age 12-14 category.
