Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus is calling on local high school students with a passion for storytelling to enter the Laurier Stedman Prize — one of the world’s most generous creative writing competitions for secondary students.
Hosted by the English program in Laurier Brantford’s Faculty of Liberal Arts, the contest welcomes original, unpublished works of fiction up to 1,500 words from students studying within the Grand Erie and Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District school boards, as well as private, alternative, and home-schooled students in the region.
The biennial competition offers $13,000 in total prizes: $3,500 for first place, $2,500 each to two second-place winners, and $1,500 each to three third-place winners.
Winners will be honoured at a ceremony in May 2026.
Established in 2018 through an endowment and estate gift from the late Mary Stedman — a longtime advocate for Laurier Brantford and former executive with the Canadian Booksellers Association — the prize celebrates her lifelong dedication to arts and culture.
“We are grateful to the late Mary Stedman, whose generosity enables us to inspire, celebrate and develop young storytellers in our region,” said Associate Professor Lisa Wood, coordinator of both the Laurier Stedman Prize and Laurier’s English program.
Entries are judged anonymously through multiple rounds, with the top ten advancing to a final jury that includes acclaimed authors, academics, and past winners.
Among them this year is Mya Baxter, a former finalist and current Laurier Brantford student in Criminology, who credits the contest with inspiring her to pursue her studies.
“Winning the Laurier Stedman Prize is a moment of validation for a young writer,” said Baxter.
“My advice for students entering the contest is to write from your heart and be true to your voice.”
Students are encouraged to connect with their English teachers to coordinate submissions.
Full contest details and deadlines are available on the Laurier Stedman Prize webpage.
