Announcement
Extending Deadline
Dear Writers, Poets, and Creative Minds,
Since the launch of the Promethean Messengers Competition, we have been truly inspired by the overwhelming interest and the incredible volume of submissions we have received. Each entry is a testament to your creativity and passion, and for that, we extend our deepest gratitude.
We understand that some of you are still meticulously polishing your work. Therefore, the submission portal will remain open for the time being, until the results are announced. All submissions received during this period will be considered for review.
We are officially extending the submission deadline for the Promethean Messengers Competition to October 27, 2025, 11:59 PM EST.
In addition, we are pleased to formally announce that the contest results will be published on October 29, 2025.
Thank you once again for your tremendous support and participation. We look forward to celebrating the outstanding works with you.
A note for those who have already submitted:
Your entry has been successfully received and is logged in our system. If you wish to take this extra time to make final revisions to your work, you are welcome to resubmit. Please note that only the most recent submission will be considered for judging.
This is a renewed opportunity to bring your brilliant ideas to life. We are eagerly looking forward to reading your work!
Thank you for your incredible support and understanding.
Sincerely,
The Promethean Messengers Competition Organizing Committee
October 21th, 2025
ABOUT US
REDEFINING FUTURE
The Promethean Messengers Competition is a creative challenge for young people from all over the world.
It makes them think about the world they live in and the one they want to make.
The competition provides high schoolers a new theme every year that makes them create and tell tales about important things that are happening in the world right now. Our goal is to facilitate cross-cultural understanding, civic engagement, and innovative problem-solving among people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
In 2025, the Promethean Messengers Competition encourages individuals to dismantle political obstacles that exist on a psychological, social, and emotional level as well as a physical one. Given the current state of division, censorship, and self-doubt, how can young people contribute to a world that is clearer, more hopeful, and more open to change? Imagine this as an amalgam of a literary competition and a platform for civic creativity.
2025 Competition
Contest Overview
2025 Theme:
Beyond the Boundaries
"Beyond the Boundaries" is the subject for 2025. It asks young people to think about the borders that separate us on various levels, including political, social, and emotional. Students should think about the future in terms of democracy, public discourse, and their own identities as students in a world that is both divided and globalized.
We encourage all contributions, whether they are stories or assessments of facts, to talk about the topic by pointing out the problems with the way things are now and coming up with ideas for how things could be better in the future.
Important Dates:
October 10: Submission Deadline
October 27: Extended Deadline
October 29: Finalist Notified
November: Winners Announced
Submission Categories
There are two competition categories.
Each student may submit to only one.
01
Non-Fiction
This category encourages research-driven, argument-based writing that critically explores real-world political and civic issues.
02
Fiction (Flash Fiction)
This category invites students to explore civic, emotional, or ideological boundaries through creative storytelling.
Prizes
& Recognition
The Promethean Messengers Competition 2025 celebrates creativity, critical thinking,
and courage with awards designed to empower young changemakers. Winners will
receive global visibility, mentorship opportunities, and resources to amplify their impact.
Category Awards
Gold Prize (1 winner per category)
-
$1000 scholarship
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Featured in the Messagers online gallery and global press kit
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Virtual mentorship session with a civic or literary leader
Silver Prize (2 per category)
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$700 award
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Digital publication
-
Certificate of Achievement
Bronze Prize (3 per category)
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$500 award
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Certificate of Recognition
Special Recognitions
🌍 Global Citizenship Award
Best cross-cultural or multilingual submission
⚖️ Social Justice Innovator Award
Most powerful message for equity or justice
❤️ People’s Choice Award
Selected by public vote
All Finalists
will recieve
Certificate of Distinction
Inclusion in the 2025 Messagers Finalist Gallery
Invitation to virtual workshops on creative advocacy
KEY DATES
October 10: Submission Deadline
October 27: Extended Deadline
October 29: Finalist Notified
November: Winners Announced
Evaluation Criteria
Non-Fiction
-
Clarity and originality of argument
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Depth of research and insight
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Relevance to the theme
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Persuasiveness and structure
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Grammar, citations, and mechanics
Submissions will be judged on the following
FLASH FICTION
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Creativity and originality
-
Emotional impact and resonance
-
Narrative structure and clarity
-
Thematic relevance
-
Language and style
The Honorable
Mark Warner
U.S. Senator
The Honorable
James Walkinshaw
U.S. Congressman
The Honorable
Suhas Subramanyam
U.S. Congressman
Julie Yang
President of Montgomery County Board of Education
Promethean Messengers Competition makes me hopeful for the future. As the President of the Montgomery County Board of Education, I often consider what a future-ready education means for our students.
Real-life experiences have prepared me. When I first came to this country for graduate school, I had just a suitcase, a pocket dictionary, and a whole lot of hope and determination. I worked in restaurants and libraries, and I even tutored kids on how to get by. None of those jobs was glamorous, but every single one taught me about humility, hustle, resilience, problem-solving, and how to work with people. That—more than any textbook—prepared me for leadership.
That’s why future readiness for our young people isn’t just about test scores or diplomas. It’s about engaging in the community, understanding issues, developing creativity, and working collaboratively—all the skills that no machine, no app, and no shortcut can replace.
The Promethean Messenger Competition aims to help young people emerge from their bubbles, see the world critically, feel it deeply, and connect passionately. Then, they can express their experiences creatively. I encourage everyone to participate and let your voice come out through this amazing opportunity.
Julie Yang, President, Montgomery County Board of Education
Kee Jun
President of Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia
On behalf of the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all who are participating in the Promethean Messengers Contest. This inspiring initiative, organized by student leader Andrew Huang reflects the power of young voices to bridge cultures, borders, and perspectives through the written word.
Participant’s creativity and dedication will remind us that the next generation of leaders is already shaping a brighter and more connected world. We are proud to support your efforts and encourage you to continue sharing your stories, your truths, and your vision for the future.
We commend, Andrew Huang, your leadership and passion in bringing together students from around the globe in this meaningful endeavor. To all participants, we wish you success and fulfillment as you embark on this journey of expression and discovery.
With great support,
Kee Jun
President of Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia
A Letter from the Founder
Hi! I’m Andrew Huang, a senior at BASIS Independent McLean in Virginia in the U.S.
I’ve always loved writing, not just for the stories themselves but for the way they connect people who might never otherwise understand each other. A few years ago, I started Reading Across Borders, a nonprofit that’s worked on literacy projects in places like Senegal, Madagascar, China, and here in the US. In my community and in communities around the world, I've been privileged to meet students whose worlds looked completely different from mine. Yet somehow, our stories resonated with each other. That idea stuck with me: how words can travel farther than we can, and bridge things that politics or distance can’t.
Back at school, I started the Writing Workshop Club, a community where we share and critique each other’s work. It’s messy, funny, and honest, and it reminded me how good writing doesn’t just show who we are, it helps us listen to someone else.
This project grew from all of that. I wanted to build a space where young writers could use their voices to cross boundaries — cultural, emotional, political — and imagine something better.
For 2025, our theme is about breaking through barriers: not just the ones we see on maps or in headlines, but the quiet ones inside us: fear, doubt, division. How can writing make the world feel a little clearer, more hopeful, more open to change?
That’s the question we’re starting with. I can’t wait to see how you’ll answer it!
Warm regards,
Andrew Huang
To help participants engage deeply with
the 2025 theme, we’ve curated a list of
multidisciplinary resources spanning art, history,
activism, and innovation. Use these tools to
spark ideas, deepen your understanding,
and craft submissions that resonate globally.
Research & Inspirations
Social
Justice
Global Citizenship
Unity in Diversity
SHAPE THE FUTURE
