Fifth Grader Wins First Place in Regional Writing Contest
![Student and female adult posing with award certificate]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781102537/uscsdk12paus/sy3ablmdecmntkucl6rh/LipiKairiWQED.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781102537/uscsdk12paus/sy3ablmdecmntkucl6rh/LipiKairiWQED.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781102537/uscsdk12paus/sy3ablmdecmntkucl6rh/LipiKairiWQED.png","width":800}])
An Upper St. Clair fifth grader has earned first-place honors in the 2026 WQED Writers Contest.
Lipi Kairi, a student at Boyce Middle School, was named the Grade 5 winner for her original story, “The Magic Soul.” Her entry was selected from stories submitted by students throughout the Pittsburgh region.
The WQED Writers Contest encourages students in kindergarten through grade 5 to develop their creativity by writing and illustrating original stories. During the past 17 years, more than 16,000 local students have participated in the educational program.
Stories are evaluated on creativity and originality of plot and theme, story structure, use of literary devices, and the quality and originality of illustrations. First-, second- and third-place winners, along with honorable mention recipients at each grade level, are recognized through the contest. (See all of the award-winning stories online)
Lipi's accomplishment adds to an already impressive list of achievements. Last fall, she earned first place in the 2025 School Bus Safety Poster Contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. A talented vocalist as well, Lipi has also received top honors at the prestigious Crescendo International Music Competition.
- Boyce