Celebrating Stella and Stephanie
We are bursting with pride today as we announce that two of our very own Story Tellers students - Stella and Stephanie - have received Honourable Mentions for their fiction writing in the prestigious Hong Kong Young Writers Award (HKYWA) competition!
This is a huge deal. Thousands of students enter. To be recognised is absolutely incredible.
A quick but important note: Stella and Stephanie wrote their winning pieces completely independently. The HKYWA requires original, unaided work, and both girls embraced this challenge with integrity and courage. But as their mentors at Story Tellers, we couldn't be prouder to see them put into practice the very skills they have been building with us. Skills like building tension, crafting characters, and revising with a sharp eye. They did the work. We just cheered from the sidelines.
✦ Stella
Stella has been with us for years. And honestly? Watching her grow has been one of the best parts of teaching.
When she started, she was already a good writer. Her ideas were creative, her sentences clear. But being "good" wasn't enough for Stella. She wanted to be better.
And she did the work.
Over time, her writing became quieter, but in the best way. She stopped telling readers how to feel and started trusting them to feel it themselves. Her characters now carry real weight. Her endings stay with you long after you've finished reading.
Stella used to write stories you admired. Now she writes stories you remember.
✦ Stephanie
Stephanie is newer to our classroom, but wow - has she made an impact.
When she first joined, she had so much energy. Ideas flew out of her like sparks.Â
Week after week, she took feedback and ran with it. She learned how to slow down. How to plant clues without shouting. How to make a twist feel not like a trick, but like a discovery.
In just over a year, her writing has transformed.Â
To Stella and Stephanie:
You did this. Your imagination. Your hard work. Your voice.
We are so, so proud to be part of your story.
Congratulations!
Share their achievements or drop some love for Stella and Stephanie in the comments below! 🎉📖✨