Congratulations to 2011 Teen Literary Award winners.

This page is intended to honor our 2011 winners. Various video clips of the award ceremony are added on the right hand side below the sign-up form. We thank everyone for participating in 2011 competition. Stay tuned for 2012 competition details. To learn more about 2011 winners please read below.

First Prize: Tonya Liang. Middlesex Academy, NJ(Apple iPad & $1000 scholarship)

"Even though I attend a high school specialized in science, engineering and mathematics, my love for the arts had not diminished. What else could provide a better escape from all the stress caused by hours of analyzing scientific theories, studying circuit analyses and solving mathematical equations? Reading allows for me to shed my Rationalist cover and bring out my inner Romanticist. Besides reading, I also enjoy sketching and competitively swimming. If I’m not at school or crouched in a corner of my house with a book, you can definitely find me in the pool."

Photo:Lauren McCoy(right) hading over the award check to Tonya.

Second Prize: Daaniya Iyaz. Inglewood Junior High, Washington State(Apple iPad & $500 scholarship)

"The reason this contest first appealed to me was because of my love for reading. My favorite books are (of course) the Harry Potter series, the City of Bones series by Cassandra Clare, Matched by Allie Condie, and I also enjoy Agatha Christie books. Another hobby of mine is watching or reading CSI or mystery-type things. That's the reason why when I grow up one of the things I want to be is a forensic anthropologist. I also want to be a doctor and definitely a writer. The way I think of it, we may speak different languages, have different ideas, and believe different things, but art and literature is a way celebrate that diversity and unite us all."

Third Prize: Emma Jaques. Edgar Middle School, NJ(Laptop & $100 giftcard)

"I enjoy reading and writing in my spare time. Some of my hobbies are playing soccer, drawing, listening to music, and fashon designing. My favorite book series is Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein. I also enjoy the Harry Potter series, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Death of a Salesman. In life I either want to be an author, a scientist, or a fashion designer. Art and liturature is important to me because it lets me imagine things, and stimulates the mind. I can travel to places I have never been, or even places that don't exist. I can see what goes on in other peoples heads, show everyone what goes on in my own head, and put my thoughts and opinions out for the world to see."

Photo: Lauren McCoy handing over the prize to Emma.

Fourth Prize: Momin Mokhtar. Al-Minhaal Academy, NJ(Toshiba mini)

My name is Momin Mokhtar.  I am 14 years old and I live in North Brunswick New Jersey.  I go to Al Minhaal Academy.  I enjoy reading and doodling and going to the park.

Fourth Prize: Sumaiya Nusrath. Noor-Ul-Iman School, NJ(Toshiba mini)

To be added.

Photo: William Raiford handing over the prize to Sumaiya

Notable Essay: Fatimah Rosario. Union County College, NJ.
Most Creative Essay: Luke Cannataro. East Brunswick High School, NJ.

“Through life’s rush
never forget compassion”