Local High School Students Invited to Compete for Laurier Stedman Prize

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus has announced its call for entries to the Laurier Stedman Prize, a creative writing competition open to local high school students. Established in 2018 through a generous bequest from the late Mary Stedman, the biennial contest aims to recognize and celebrate the literary talents of young writers in the region.

Mary Stedman, who passed away in 2014, was the managing director of Stedman’s Bookstore Ltd. for nearly 25 years and played a significant role in the Canadian Booksellers Association. According to Lisa Wood, the program coordinator for Laurier’s English department and an associate professor, the competition honors Stedman’s commitment to arts and culture. Wood emphasized that Stedman’s influence extended to education in the Brantford community, stating, “She was also deeply committed to young people, and to literacy and education in the Brantford-Brant area.”

Eligibility and Submission Guidelines

The competition is open to all high school students within the catchment area of the Grand Erie District School Board and the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, including homeschooled students. Wood encourages participation from all backgrounds, stating that students do not need to be enrolled in advanced writing classes to enter. “We really want to get the word out that you don’t have to be in something like the Writer’s Craft class at BCI to be part of this competition,” she explained.

Students can submit original, unpublished works of fiction, with a word limit of 1,500 words. There are no restrictions on theme or genre, allowing for a wide range of creative expression. Wood noted that past submissions have included fantasy, science fiction, and horror, emphasizing that all genres are welcome. “We’re really open to whatever their imagination comes up with,” she added.

The competition allows students to participate multiple times throughout their high school years, with Wood explaining that they can enter from Grade 9 onwards and even submit work after graduation. “Theoretically, any given student could compete three times over the course of their high school career,” she said.

Prizes and Impact on Education

The Laurier Stedman Prize offers substantial financial rewards, making it one of the most lucrative writing competitions for youth globally. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top six submissions: a first place prize of $3,500, two second place prizes of $2,500 each, and three third place prizes of $1,500 each. The remaining entries in the top ten will receive merchandise prizes, while all submissions will receive a participation prize.

Wood highlighted the positive impact of the competition on student engagement in the classroom. “From what I’ve heard from the teachers who have been part of it, it’s been a real boon in the classroom for getting students enthusiastic and engaged,” she said. The competition not only incentivizes creativity but also fosters a sense of accomplishment among students.

The submission deadline for entries is April 2, 2026, for school submissions and March 26, 2026, for homeschool entries. The awards celebration is scheduled for May 27, 2026. Each school typically selects four stories to advance to the competition, and if more than four submissions are received, the school will determine which works to submit.

Wood expressed hope that all participants, regardless of the outcome, will feel a sense of pride in their creativity. “I think it’s important for us to keep using our brains in creative ways that help to develop us cognitively,” she noted. She encourages students to embrace the opportunity to share their stories, stating, “When you sit down in front of that blank screen…don’t worry about what anybody else will think.”

This initiative not only celebrates young writers but also creates a platform for them to connect with their peers and share their passion for storytelling. Interested students should reach out to their English teachers to learn more about participating in this unique opportunity.