New Jersey Association for Lifelong Learning
Adult Learner Writing Contest 2025
Congratulations to our talented student authors who earned awards and special recognition in NJALL’s 2025 Adult Learner Writing Contest!
Each year, the New Jersey Association for Lifelong Learning (NJALL) hosts a statewide writing contest to celebrate the voices, stories, and creativity of adult learners across New Jersey. NJALL is a professional association dedicated to supporting adult education and empowering students to achieve their highest potential.
We are proud to announce that several LVA Essex & Passaic Counties students have been honored this year. Their winning works will be published online and featured in a printed anthology, available for viewing at the LVA office.
To all who entered — and to those who haven’t yet — sharpen your pencils for next year’s contest. Your stories matter
Each year, the New Jersey Association for Lifelong Learning (NJALL) hosts a statewide writing contest to celebrate the voices, stories, and creativity of adult learners across New Jersey. NJALL is a professional association dedicated to supporting adult education and empowering students to achieve their highest potential.
We are proud to announce that several LVA Essex & Passaic Counties students have been honored this year. Their winning works will be published online and featured in a printed anthology, available for viewing at the LVA office.
To all who entered — and to those who haven’t yet — sharpen your pencils for next year’s contest. Your stories matter
The Honores
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Blandon
Blandon studied journalism, literature, and philosophy at a university in Haiti and earned certifications in animation techniques, mini-library management, Microsoft Word, and nutrition. He served as a literature teacher intern and worked in journalism as a reporter, presenter, and editor. Currently, he continues his journalism studies online in the U.S. Blandon received Third Place in Fiction for his story “One Meeting That Changed Everything.” |
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Harry
Born in Haiti as the son of a pastor, Harry grew up in a family grounded in faith and responsibility. A natural storyteller, he studied social communication and public administration at the State University of Haiti, and expresses his creativity through music, photography, and writing. Harry received a Special Mention in Memoir for his piece “A Question of Survival.” |
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Smith
Smith was born and raised in Haiti, where he grew up in a large family with five sisters and four brothers. He married the love of his life, Sophonie, in 2021, and they have two children, Joshua and Christina. Smith received a Special Mention in Memoir for his piece “I’m a Very Outgoing Person.” |
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Ariana
Originally from Cúcuta, Colombia, Ariana graduated as a civil engineer and now lives in Montclair, NJ. She enjoys reading, exercising, cooking, and meeting new people. A social and resilient young woman, she embraces every challenge with optimism and determination. Ariana received First Place in Nonfiction for her piece “Cultural Differences.” |
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Rajpattie
A resident of Bloomfield, NJ, Rajpattie immigrated from Guyana to the U.S. in 2016. She enjoys taking photos of trees and flowers whenever she can. Though she was unable to attend school in Guyana, she proudly ensured that her daughter graduated from college. Rajpattie received a Special Mention in Photography for her submission “Seasons.” |
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Gladys
Originally from Bolivia, Gladys lives in Orange, NJ, with her husband and two sons. She hopes to one day earn her nursing certification and continue her path of lifelong learning. Gladys received a Special Mention in Memoir for her piece “My Name is Gladys.” |
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Insight 2025 |
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