June 4th, 2026

Press Release: Polar Expressions- Encouraging Canadians to express themselves! 

Celebrate Canada’s youngest writers!                   May 2026

Ren Assuncao of Kitchener, ON, has been selected as the SECOND PRIZE WINNER from students in grade 12 in the 2025/2026 National Student Short Story Contest held by Polar Expressions Publishing(their 20th annual student writing contest). As a result of this outstanding accomplishment, Ren has received $60 and a certificate for their entry titled “The Rabbit in a Cage “, along with a copy of the book, Fault Lines, which features their award-winning short story and includes the works of other top entrants in grades 9 through 12. Ren’s school (Eastwood Collegiate Institute) has received a matching prize.

Polar Expressions Publishing is proud to showcase the amazing work of Canadian students in kindergarten through grade 12. Their intent is to provide a tool to educators in promoting poetry and prose with the goal of inspiring a lifelong enchantment. These contests are an opportunity for students across our diverse nation to see their work in print and compare it to that of their peers. For the student writing contests, Polar Expressions received entries from more than a thousand teachers across Canada. More than $6,500 in cash prizes was awarded to students in schools. Polar Expressions also gave more than $10,000 worth of books to school libraries.

Canadians of all ages interested in National writing competitions are encouraged to visit www.polarexpressions.ca for information on upcoming deadlines and guidelines.