Students from all year levels submit items of writing they have completed throughout the year. 

The items can be of any style, from creative writing to a persuasive piece.

Each year level has a winner, with a $75 cash prize and an overall winner, who wins an extra $100. 

Head of English at Horsham College Alex Mawson said creative writing was the favoured style this year. 

“We didn’t have a winner from year seven but in year eight it was a creative story, year nine was a poem and year 10, 11 and 12 were all creative stories,” she said. 

Ella Slorach was the year 8 winner, Mya Jones was the year 9 winner and Nia Harrison was the year 10 winner, with honourable mentions to Sharon Ruth and Kali Roberts. 

Magenta Blair was the year 11 winner while the year 12 winner was Nicholas Robertson, with honourable mentions to Lochie Bull and Adara Liersch.

Nicholas Robertson was the overall winner. 

Ms Mawson said most senior students that took part in the writing competition hoped to use the skill in future careers. 

“I think the students see the award as something that typifies creativity and nous, especially in the senior age groups,” she said. 

“It was good to see students working in their own time – engaging in material in their own environment.” 

The award is named after Val Finch, who was the head of English for 18 years at Horsham High School.