On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Teays Valley West Middle School hosted its 10th Annual Creative Chaos Writing Competition, welcoming seven schools, 48 student writers, one Open Class participant, and 18 judges for a day celebrating creativity, voice, and the power of writing.
Three high schools and four middle schools competed in three separate one-hour writing rounds. Students showcased their talents in narrative, argumentative, and poetry categories. Following each round, the top-ranked writer from every room advanced to a Best of Round judging panel for overall placement.
The competition highlighted not only outstanding writing, but also the confidence, originality, and passion these young authors brought to every round. Judges repeatedly shared how impressed they were with the quality and depth of student work.
Team Results
Middle School Division
1st Place – Teays Valley West Middle School
2nd Place – Circleville Middle School
3rd Place – Teays Valley East Middle School
4th Place – Zane Trace Middle School
High School Division
1st Place – Circleville High School
2nd Place – Teays Valley High School
3rd Place – Zane Trace High School
Individual Awards
Students also competed for individual honors in the following categories:
● Middle School Best of Round – Narrative, Argumentative, Poetry
● High School Best of Round – Narrative, Argumentative, Poetry
● Overall Best Writer – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place
Every participating school was represented among the individual award winners, further showcasing the depth of talent across the region.
Following the competition rounds, students enjoyed a keynote presentation from Natalie Richards. She was joined by seven additional Ohio authors during an Author Showcase, where students, families, and community members had the opportunity to meet writers, ask questions, and support authors whose works can be found in both school and public libraries.
One featured author was Liv Clark, a Teays Valley High School student and Teays Valley West Middle School alum who once competed in Creative Chaos herself just a few years ago.
Special thanks also go to Best of Round judges Emily Rozmus, Mindy McGinnis, and Erik JonSlangerup for lending their time and expertise to the event.
Sponsors
We also extend sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose generosity helped make this event possible: Pick Em Up Joe, Commercial Point Ladies Auxiliary, Commercial Point Mens Club, Nunbetter Customs, and Roxanne Davis. Their support helped provide opportunities that celebrate literacy, creativity, and student achievement.
Organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s competition and plan to continue welcoming school teams, individual writers, homeschool students, 4-H participants, and community members through the Open Class division.
