Sayville Students Win National Writing Contest, Earn Spots in Anthology

SAYVILLE, NY — Twenty-nine seventh-grade students from Sayville Middle School have been selected for publication in a national student anthology through Young Writers USA, district officials said.

English teachers Shannon McCann and Shannon Voyack had their students submit original short stories as part of the contest’s theme, “Unsolved: Mystery and Betrayal.”

Their work will appear in a spring edition of a creative writing anthology featuring student voices from across the country. The publication is expected to be released later this season.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for our students,” McCann said. “Our students embraced the challenge of the theme and produced thoughtful, imaginative stories that truly stood out.”

Young Writers USA hosts national contests designed to encourage creativity and strengthen writing skills among students.

“Our students worked hard to develop compelling characters and suspenseful plots, and it’s exciting to see their efforts recognized on a national level,” she said.

The program provides themed prompts, classroom resources, and publication opportunities, allowing students to see their work featured in a professionally produced book.

“We are extremely proud of our students for this outstanding accomplishment,” Sayville Middle School Principal Dr. Joseph Castoro said. “Having 29 students recognized at the national level speaks volumes about their creativity, perseverance, and commitment to their craft. This achievement also reflects the dedication of our teachers, who consistently inspire and support our students in reaching their full potential.”