The fourth edition of “The Heritage New Writing Contest” culminated in a celebration of young literary talent from across Cyprus. This year’s competition drew over 200 entries from 18 private schools. From this large pool of work, the judging panel—comprised of authors and academics based around the world—selected only the strongest pieces for publication in the contest’s showcase journal, upon a golden bough.

The winners gathered for the awards ceremony, where attendees were treated to readings of nearly all the successful entries, experiencing the spectacular depth of literary talent being cultivated in Cyprus’s private schools. It was a magical occasion, filled with diverse interpretations of this year’s theme—”island life”—from the perspectives of feral cats, castaways, and even ballistic missiles. Each piece moved the audience with its technical skill and emotional resonance. Congratulations to all the winners!

View the electronic version of the journal.