JustWrite Ohio

⏰🎤 9 DAYS until the 2026 JustWrite State Tournament! 🎤⏰

The countdown continues, and we are excited to announce another incredible guest joining us this year!

Please welcome Siaara Freeman, the 2026 JustWrite State Tournament Poet Laureate and Workshop Presenter!

A nationally recognized performance poet and Pushcart Prize nominee, Siaara Freeman is the current Poet Laureate of Cleveland Heights and University Heights. Her workshop, “Five Ways to Tell a Story,” will challenge students to think creatively about voice, structure, and storytelling.

In just nine days, student writers from across the region will gather to write, compete, learn, and celebrate creativity together. We cannot wait to see the stories and poems that emerge.

Thank you to the Ohio Arts Council and The Cleveland Foundation for supporting student writers and helping make opportunities like this possible.

✍️ See you soon, writers!

JustWrite Coaches and Teachers! Happy TEACHER Appreciation Week!

Thank you for believing in your writers, encouraging their voices, and inspiring them!

Without you, JustWrite wouldn't be--so thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

⏰📚 10 DAYS until the 2026 JustWrite State Tournament! 📚⏰

The countdown is officially on! In just ten days, student writers from across Ohio and beyond will gather for a day of creativity, competition, workshops, and celebration of the written word.

We are also thrilled to announce that bestselling YA author Mindy McGinnis will serve as the 2026 State Tournament Keynote Speaker!

Our students are in for an incredible experience hearing from one of today’s most compelling voices in young adult literature.

🖋️ Stories will be written.
🎤 Voices will be celebrated.
🔥 Creativity will take center stage.

A huge thank you to the Ohio Arts Council and The Cleveland Foundation for supporting student writers and helping make opportunities like this possible.



We can’t wait to see everyone soon!

Support the JustWrite-A-Thon teen at https://app.99pledges.com/fund/2026springJW

From May 8-11, 2026, JustWrite teens writers will spend time crafting stories and poetry that challenge, inspire, and ignite creativity.

📝 Write boldly.
📚 Take creative risks.
🔥 Let your words burn bright.

And remember: every page you write helps support the mission of empowering young writers through JustWrite programs and tournaments.

It's time for the 2026 Spring JustWrite-A-Thon! https://app.99pledges.com/fund/2026springJW?home_v2=true

Consider donating to one of our participating schools or give a general donation to JustWrite through Venmo at

Part of the funds raised goes back to the participating schools to offset their Fall 2026 registration fees and prizes. The rest benefits the JustWrite program and helps us grow this amazing program!

2026 Spring Edition-JustWrite-A-Thon Support our teen authors as they take on the challenge of the JustWrite-A-Thon! November 7-9, 2025, students will write stories and poetry. They aim to celebrate creativity, strengthen their writing skills, and share their voices with others. How can you support? Find your writer to donate to their....

Congratulations to Robert C. From McNicholas High School on winning a FREE division for next year’s competition season! Robert stopped by the booth at the OCTELA ( ) 2026 conference!

We hope that supports teen voices and creativity, and that you are able to join us next year!

It’s at the conference evening mixer!

JoAnna’s art session is ALWAYS the fan favorite at our state tournament!

We love seeing our family presenting at the 2026 Conference!!!!

Today’s a great day to stop by the booth at the conference!!

Congratulations to our top tournament teams at the Sylvania Southview Regional Tournament! Your preparation and powerful writing earned you this well-deserved recognition.

We’re proud of the teamwork, resilience, and creativity you brought to every round. Keep building, keep writing, and keep raising the bar.

Division I Overall Team Winners
1st Place- Lima Shawnee High School
2nd Place- Our Lady of the Elms High School
3rd Place- Sylvania Northview High School
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Division II Overall Team Winners
1st Place- Sylvania Northview High School
2nd Place-Lima Shawnee High School
3rd Place- Edison High School
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Overall Tournament Champion
Lima Shawnee High School