2026 Expo
It’s that time of the year! My Open Book Expo will take place on September 12, 2026. There will be a new location this year at Concord Christian Center, 265 Manor Avenue SW, Concord, NC.
It will be FREE to the public. Author tables are complimentary to those who register. FREE burgers and bottled water. There will be an essay contest awarding scholarships in three different categories. Click here to download the 2026 Expo flyer and essay application.
| Third through Fifth grades 1st place prize – $100 2nd place prize – $50 3rd place prize – $25 |
Sixth through Eighth grades 1st place prize – $250 2nd place prize – $100 3rd place prize – $50 |
Ninth through Twelfth grades 1st place prize – $500 2nd place prize – $250 3rd place prize – $100 |
It’s that time of the year! My Open Book Expo will take place on September 12, 2026. There will be a new location this year at Concord Christian Center, 265 Manor Avenue SW, Concord, NC.
It will be FREE to the public. Author tables are complimentary to those who register. FREE burgers and bottled water. There will be an essay contest awarding scholarships in three different categories. Click here to download the 2026 Expo flyer and essay application.
Third through Fifth grades
1st place prize – $100
2nd place prize – $50
3rd place prize – $25
Sixth through Eighth grades
1st place prize – $250
2nd place prize – $100
3rd place prize – $50
Ninth through Twelfth grades
1st place prize – $500
2nd place prize – $250
3rd place prize – $100
Scholarships presented in honor of Alisha Renee O’Neal
Essay Contest Theme (Unified but Age-Appropriate)
Overall Theme:
The Power of My Voice: How Reading, Writing, or
Education Can Change My Future.”
The Open Book EXPO
Youth empowerment
Literacy
Legacy and purpose (in honor of Alisha)
Essay Prompts by Grade Group
Grades 3-5
“Why my voice matters and how learning helps me dream big.”
What do you like to read or learn?
How does school help you become who you want to be?
How can your words help others?
Prizes:
$100 | $50 | $25
Grades 6-8
“How reading, writing, or education can help me overcome challenges and
shape my future:’
What challenges do students your age face?
How can education help you rise above them?
What kind of impact do you want to make?
Prizes:
$250 I $100 I $50
Grades 9-12
Prompt:
“Using my voice to change: how education prepares me for purpose,
leadership, and legacy!’
What issues matter most to your today?
How does education equip you to lead or serve?
What legacy do you hope to leave?
Prizes:
$500 I $250 I $100
Judging Criteria (Simple & Fair)
essays will be judged on:
Clarity of thought
Creativity & originality
Connection to the theme
Heart & authencity
Grammar matters, but voice matters more.
Essay length and rules:
Grades 3-5: 1 page
Grades 6-8: 1-2 pages
Grades 9-12: 2-3 pages
Typed or neatly handwritten
Students name, grade, and school included
One entry per student
Honor Statement (You can use this publicly)
These scholarships are awarded in loving honor of
Alisha Renee O’Neal
celebrating the power of youth voices, education,
and the legacy we leave through learning.
Event Schedule
12:00 PM – Doors Open I Author Meet & Greet
1:00 PM – Youth Literacy Moment
3:30 PM – Essay Winners Announced
4:00 PM – Scholarship Presentations
5:00 PM – Closing