After a hiatus of several years, the Young Authors program made a triumphant return to Galesburg CUSD #205, celebrating the creativity and dedication of students in grades K-6.
The program's revival was made possible through the extensive efforts of the District Curriculum Director Jennifer Bredemeier, who brought this important program back to the district. Students across the district submitted original, self-written stories, with top entries from each school building selected as winners.
On April 23, 2026, the winning authors were honored at a special lunch reception in the Galesburg Public Library's community room. Surrounded by families, teachers, and special guests, the students received formal recognition for their literary achievements.
The event also featured retired educator and published author Joel Estes as the keynote speaker. Drawing from his career and his own published works, including his debut novel, Stand: A Journey of Friendship and Self-Discovery, and picture books, Last Pick and Norma Jean-Estes emphasized the lifelong value of reading and writing.
In his closing remarks, he shared a simple "secret" for success: "Write. Write. Write. Write all the time, and you will be amazed at how good you get."
Local community partners bolstered the successful return of the Young Authors program. The district would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the Galesburg Public Schools Foundation and Kunes Toyota of Galesburg for their generous sponsorship and support, which ensured the event's success.
Congratulations to the 2026 Young Authors:
King Elementary
Sophia Alfaro
Oliver Angle
Jaylynn Campbell
Aniyah Frederick
Valencia Gadbury
Abigail lavis
Alycea Heiman
Jersey Hoskins
Cordelia Robinson
Sevin Smith
Silas Willard Elementary
Harlynn Bond
Willa Hannam
Josslyn Henry
Wesley Leibach
Ryan Peterson
Beckett Polite
Therena Seke
Angela Sheldon
Josslyn Tracy
Jaxon Tracy
Steele Elementary
Athena Kinne
Dae'Verris Lampkin
Rilynn Reeves
Payton Rouse
Lucy Scott
Peona Stafford
Royal Velazquez Reeves
Nora Watson
Dallas Williams
Lydia Willis
Lombard Middle School
Miguel bandera
Coupland Davis
Dannielynn Jenkins
Bailey McGraw
Rosalyn Pearson
Emma Rappenecker
Tristan Wade
Cayden Wright
