Since 1999, the Young Southern Student Writers (YSSW) contest has been a staple in Chattanooga’s literary community. This annual event shines a spotlight on the creative talents of K–12 students across Hamilton County. A collaborative effort between the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and SoLit, the competition nurtures young writers by offering them a platform to express their ideas through poetry and prose.

Over the years, the contest has grown significantly, with approximately 5,000 students participating each year. In the spring of 2025, more than 20 students from Chattanooga Christian School were selected as winners for their outstanding poetry or prose. 

Submissions are evaluated by UTC English Department faculty and graduate students based on creativity, content, and style. Judges look for originality, compelling narratives, and unique perspectives that reflect the students' voices.

Winners are honored at an annual awards ceremony held each April at UTC's Roland Hayes Concert Hall. Students receive Distinction of Merit medals, and their winning entries are published in an online booklet. Last year, in the 2023-24 school year, more than 300 students were recognized from over 3,500 submissions.

We are proud to congratulate the following CCS students for their achievement in the 2024-25 Young Southern Student Writers contest:

 

LOWER SCHOOL PROSE

UPPER SCHOOL POETRY

UPPER SCHOOL PROSE

We commend these students for their creativity and excellence in writing!

For more information on submission guidelines and upcoming deadlines, visit the YSSW official page or contact the UTC English Department.