The YSU English Festival has begun the reading assignments for their 2026 festival, along with numerous different contests open to not only English Festival participants.
High School English teacher Mrs. Smith has spoken about both the English Festival and the pre-festival contests.
Regrettably saying that “the registration window has closed for English Festival,” but “the pre-festival contests include the Candace Gay Memorial Essay Contest, the Graphic Essay Contest, the Stephanie Gent Art Contest, and the Jeremy Salvner Memorial Music Award are available students at the high school since the school participates in the festival.” Those contests are due by February 20, 2026. More information about each contest is posted in English classes.
Though the window for registration has closed, students attending the YSU English Festival are required to read the books assigned to them per grade level, and if all books are read and completed, the students will spend Wednesday April 22nd, 2026 at the campus of Youngstown State University.
This day trip offers many rewards for students who completed the assigned reading. These incentives include “[a variety of] other popular young adult books being sold,” “meeting other students who read the books,” and “meeting the authors and getting a chance to hear them speak about their writing,” says Smith.
Students are encouraged to consider participating in the English Festival in future years; and if they have registered, they are encouraged to read the books and have a memorable experience.
