BUNKER HILL — Smoky Hills PBS is thrilled to unveil the 2024 PBS KIDS Writers Contest winners. SHPBS saw an outpouring of creativity from children across central and western Kansas.  Open to children in 1st through 5th grade, the contest received captivating stories that showcased the unique voice and creativity of its author. To read the winning stories and view the “Young Writers & Illustrators Award Show”, visit SmokyHillsPBS.org.

2024 Smoky Hills 

PBS KIDS Writers Contest Winners 

First Grade

1st - Happy Love - Madelyn Crisp - Osborne Elementary

2nd - The Lost Animals - Maverick Nicholson - Osborne Elementary

3rd - Daisy’s Flower - Mila LeSage - Lincoln Elementary - Hays

Second Grade

1st - The Missing Horse Named Winner - Karlie Gasper - Osborne Elementary

2nd - An Adventure with Friends! - Owen Mai - Russell

3rd - Wonderful Places - Everly Reimer - Meade Elementary

Third Grade

1st - Space Explorer - Lincoln Kelly - Otis-Bison Elementary - Timken

2nd - Dad’s Birthday Weekend at Wilson Lake - Noah Fanshier - St. John - Hudson USD 350 

3rd - Detective Peaches - Zoey Funk - Otis-Bison Elementary - Olmitz

Fourth Grade

1st - The Story of Lexi - Madison Mawhitter - St. John-Hudson USD 350 

2nd - The Queen of Space - Clara Yust - Harvest Christian School - Ulysses

3rd - Hallie and Pablo - Hallie Bonner - St. John-Hudson USD 350 - Stafford

Fifth Grade

1st - The Homeless Puppy - Andelyn Reimer - Meade Elementary 

2nd - Little Owl’s Shiny Gem - Gannon Klein - Jefferson Elementary - Great Bend

3rd - The Mountain - Daisy  Scott - Jefferson Elementary - Great Bend

Smoky Hills PBS extends its heartfelt congratulations to all participants for their creativity and dedication to storytelling. 

The sponsor also thank the teachers who incorporate this fun contest in their classrooms. 

The 2024 PBS KIDS Writers Contest emphasizes Smoky Hills PBS’s ongoing commitment to fostering literacy and creativity in children across the communities it serves.