The contest is now closed.
WRITING TOPIC
A Moment That Changed Me
Write about a moment, experience, or relationship that changed how you see yourself or the world. Your story can be big or smal. What matters is that it’s meaningful to you.
Eligibility
Open to all 11th and 12th grade students currently enrolled in a public, private, or homeschool program in North County San Diego.
Submission Guidelines
- Length: 500–750 words
- Format: Typed, 12-point font (Times New Roman or Arial), submitted as a PDF or Word document
- Originality: All submissions must be the student’s original work (AI generated content can be identified and will result in disqualification)
- Language: Entries must be written in English
Submission Process
Submit entries via email to [email protected]
Subject line:
Teen Writing Contest Submission – [Student’s Full Name]Include in your email:
- Student’s Full Name
- School Name and Grade
- Contact Information (email and phone number)
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Creativity and originality (40%)
- Grammar, spelling, and overall writing quality (20%)
- Clarity and structure (20%)
- Relevance to the theme (20%)
Prizes
2nd Place
$500 cash prize + honorable mention in The Coast News (print, web & social)
1st Place
$1,000 cash prize + publication in The Coast News (print, web & social)
3rd Place
$100 Gift card + honorable mention in The Coast News (print, web & social)
Rules & Regulations
- Each student may submit one entry
- Submissions must not contain offensive or inappropriate content
- Entries must adhere to the theme and word count
- Entries must not have been previously published
- Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered
- The decision of the judging panel is final
- Winners will be notified via email and announced in The Coast News
- By entering, participants grant The Coast News permission to publish their work with full credit
- Winners will be invited to a recognition event with community leaders, representatives from The Coast News, and our presenting sponsor, Ms. Oceanside Real Estate. Additional details will be announced.
Submit your entry by June 5, 2026.
2026 contest winners
- First place: Quade Kelley
- Second place: Emma Lauren Benas
- Third Place: Amelia Seibert
For any questions about this contest, please contact Coast News Managing Editor Jordan Ingram at (760) 436-9737 x117, or by email at [email protected]
THIS CONTEST IS SPONSORED BY
IN COLLABORATION WITH
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SPONSOR
Melissa Huk – Ms. Oceanside Real Estate
We’re proud to shine a spotlight on our dedicated sponsor, Melissa Huk — also known throughout the region as Ms. Oceanside Real Estate. With over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, Melissa isn’t just a top-producing real estate professional — she’s a powerful force for good in our community.
Melissa has consistently demonstrated what it means to lead with integrity, serve with heart, and show up with excellence. Her track record speaks for itself: year after year, she ranks among the most successful agents in the area, not just because of her unmatched market knowledge and negotiation skills, but because of the trust she builds with every client and community member she works with.
Her impact doesn’t stop at the closing table. Melissa holds leadership roles both within her company and throughout the community. She’s a mentor to other agents, an advocate for smart and ethical business practices, and a passionate community builder who believes that giving back is just as important as personal success.
When you think of someone who embodies dedication, hard work, and authenticity, you think of Melissa Huk. She’s a woman who leads by example, showing us all what’s possible when you blend professionalism with purpose.
We’re honored to have Melissa Huk as a sponsor — and even more honored to have her as a vital part of our community!
Melissa Huk, Award Winning Realtor
619-823-6137
