Smoky Hills PBS Announces 2026 PBS KIDS Writers Contest Winners

SmokyHills PBS PressRelease_WC_Winners_FY26.pdf

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Smoky Hills PBS Announces 2026 PBS KIDS Writers Contest Winners

BUNKER HILL, KS - Smoky Hills PBS (SHPBS) is thrilled to unveil the winners of the 2026 PBS KIDS Writers Contest.  This year’s contest received an inspiring number of entries from students in grades 1 through 5, each one showcasing imagination, heart, and unique voices from our local communities in Central and Western Kansas. Students in grades 1 through 5 submitted original stories, each paired with their own illustrations, showcasing a wide range of ideas, characters, and adventures.

After careful review by a panel of judges, Smoky Hills PBS is excited to recognize the following winners in each grade division:

Third Grade

1st – The Tigers and Bears Escape – Kinsley Wagner - Otis-Bison Elementary

2nd – Ship Wrecked Zoo – Elsie Mai – Russell 

3rd – Hadley the Monkey – Henleigh Wegener - Otis-Bison Elementary

Kinsley poses with 1st place prize and Henleigh poses with her 3rd place medal in front of the TV with Smoky Hills writers contest image.

Kinsley holding her 1st place prize, smiling big

Henleigh posing with her 3rd place medal and artwork.