Contests
Tosa’s All-City Read Writing Contest 2026
The first 25 kids (grades 3 through 12) who submit an essay will receive a coupon for free Yo Mamas! frozen yogurt with toppings!
Deadline for submissions extended to Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Thank you for writing and submitting an essay for Tosa’s All-City Read 2026 Essay contest! Click the links below for contest details, and use the Essay Contest Entry Form button to submit your essay.
Essay Theme/Prompt for Adults & Students
Describe a friendship that impacted your life and shaped the person you are today. Describe how you were impacted and include evidence to support your thesis.
Judging Criteria
Winning essays will clearly address the prompt. They will also have great focus and organization; strong ideas and support for those ideas; an original, authentic voice; and correct grammar and mechanics.
Rules and Prizes
- You must be a resident of Wauwatosa or attend a Wauwatosa public or private school to be eligible to compete in the writing contest.
- First and second place cash prizes will be awarded by age level: Adult: $100/$50; High school: $100/$50; Middle school: $50/$30 Grades 3-5: Great Gift Cards to Tosa Businesses!
- Your essay must be your own creation. Use of AI in preparing your essay is not allowed. If we determine an essay was generated by AI in any part or any way, it will be disqualified.
- There is no minimum length, but all essays must be no longer than 1,000 words.
- Winners will be published on the Tosa’s All-City Read website.
- Entries are due Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
- Please do not put your name on the essay. We will use the title of your essay to identify it, so make sure the title on the essay is the same title you list on the entry form.
- Questions? Email info@TosasAllCityRead.com.
Age Categories and Prizes
Grades 3-5
- Ruckus & Glee Gift Cards
- Rainbow Book Sellers Gift Cards
Middle School
- First Place: $50
- Second Place: $30
- Hoyt Pool Day Passes!
High School
- First Place: $100
- Second Place: $50
Adult
- First Place: $100
- Second Place: $50
Winners
Honorable Mention
Lily Buschmann
Ghily Hourigan
Davis Ost
Honorable Mention
Taylor Vraney