The Exploring Identity writing contest was a part of the 2025 Salem Reads: One Book, One Community program, which delved into the themes of Why Didn't You Tell Me? A Memoir by Carmen Rita Wong. The contest invited writers, in short story or personal essay form, to explore how identity has impacted them.
We are excited to present the first-place adult and teen winners of the writing contest within our pages. To read the second and third-place entries, please visit our website. These stories showcase the power of the written word to convey experiences while reminding us of the importance of human connections.
Teen Stories
First Place: More Than a Name by Allena Johnson
Second Place: Who am I? by Lily Lockard
Third Place: Faith Over Fear by Gabby VaVerka
Adult Stories
First Place: More Than Meets the Eye by Nduta Nyoro-Cayton
Second Place: Telenovelas During Dinner by Roanna Gingrich
Third Place: I Am by Lacey Peters