Freire Schools is strongest when every member of our family feels empowered to use their voice. As part of the 2025 “Turning Leaves” creative writing contest, students across the Freire Schools network were invited to submit original stories exploring change, endings, and transformation in any form—big, small, realistic, or fantastical. Every participant received personalized feedback and a certificate, and the top three middle and high school writers earned gift card prizes. Check out our winning stories below:
HIGH SCHOOL WINNING STORIES
1st Place: “A Chip in the Party” by Luke Palmer (Freire Wilmington, 11th Grade)
2nd Place (Tie): “Coming to Light” by Aanisah Rudd (Freire High, 10th Grade)
2nd Place (Tie): “The Town Within Silver Leaves” by Monique Mitchell (TECH Freire, 12th Grade)
3rd Place: “Autumn Born” by Jamiya Randolph (TECH Freire, 12th Grade)
MIDDLE SCHOOL WINNING STORIES
1st Place: “Transmutation” by Chais Amor Witherspoon (Freire Middle, 8th Grade)
2nd Place: “Anne” by Myla Hawkins-Baxley (Freire Middle, 8th Grade)
3rd Place: “Angels Case” by Kylon Henry (Freire Middle, 8th Grade)
