Danielle Miller, associate pastor at Hope Church, with Autumn Writing Contest winner Jewel Nord. (Contributed photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Hope Church of Iron Mountain has chosen Jewel Nord as the winner of its 2025 Autumn Writing Contest.

Nord’s piece, titled “Broken,” is a moving personal narrative that tells the story of loss, survival and healing.

The essay follows a young teenager navigating trauma, and highlighting her eventual restoration through the care of a loving family and faith.

Judges praised the submission for its emotional honesty, narrative clarity and powerful transformation arc. The piece stood out among many strong entries for its maturity, courage and ability to convey hope without minimizing hardship.

“This was not just strong writing, it was brave writing,” said the Rev. Anthony Miller, pastor of Hope Church. “Jewel’s story reminds us that words can carry pain, truth and hope all at the same time. We are honored she trusted us with her voice.”

The Autumn Writing Contest invited students to submit original writing centered on the theme “A Season of Change.” Entries included fiction, poetry, and personal narratives, all judged on creativity, originality, clarity, and connection to theme.

Jewel was awarded a $35 Walmart gift card and a Hope Church prize pack, as part of its commitment to celebrating youth creativity and literacy in the community.

Hope Church plans to continue offering seasonal literacy initiatives, including writing contests and reading challenges, to encourage creative expression and educational growth among local students.

For more information about Hope Church or upcoming community programs, go to www.hopeimt.org.