The InstigatorThe People Who Shaped Me Writing Contest was a part of the 2023 Salem Reads: One Book, One Community program, which delved into the themes and messages of Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. The contest invited writers to submit essays, creative nonfiction and fictionalized stories that honored real people who had a profound impact on their lives.
We presented the first-place adult and teen winners of the writing contest within the pages of our print edition and are proud to include those plus the second- and third-place winners below. All these stories showcase the power of the written word to convey deep emotions and experiences while reminding us of the importance of human connections and how they can transform our lives.
Adult Winners
1st place – The Faces I Can’t Remember by Rebekah Pippert
2nd place – Love: The Special Ingredient by Laura Herrmann
3rd place – Bender by Joce Johnson
Teen Winners
1st place – Trail of Breadcrumbs by Mei-Yu Heras-Leung
2nd place – Rosa by Emily Mackley
3rd place – El Viaje Quo Cambio Mi Vida/The Trip That Changed My Life by Constanza Escanilla
