Talented students received accolades for their literary works in the 2016 Spark Sutherland Shire creative writing competition.
The competition was established by two English teachers from Gymea Technology High School, Samantha Hill and Robyn De Mayo.
Identifying a need for student writers to showcase their writing, the teachers launched the idea with successful outcomes.
A total of 12 high schools entered the competition, which was supported by sponsors Tradies Gymea.
Spark was judged by members of the Sutherland branch of The Fellowship of Australian Writers, who will publish the winning entries in their anthology to be published later this year.
Junior division winners
1st place: Stella Mc Cann, year 8, Our Lady of Mercy College, Burraneer
2nd: Andrea Honor, year 9, Gymea Technology High School
3rd: Emma Catiana, year 8 OLMC
Highly commended: Kye Fowler, Cronulla High School, Ryan Waghorn, year 9, Gymea Technology High School, Hayat Yassine, year 8, Cronulla High School.
Senior division winners
1st: Sydney Soames, year 11, Cronulla High School
2nd: Arlea Whelan, year 10, Heathcote High School
3rd: Claire Pointing, year 10, Gymea Technology High School
Highly commended: Angelina Tsinganos Cortazzo, year 11, Gymea Technology High School, Olivia Burden, Kirrawee High School, Rochelle Redmond, year 11, Gymea Technology High School.