Nothing welcomes Halloween better than an unsettling story that distorts reality and leaves you sleepless at night. That is why The Bulldog Times hosted our 2025 Spooky Story Competition, challenging students to write without utilizing dialogue.

All submissions for the contest were unique and enjoyable to read. We loved looking at different interpretations of the given prompt and how students embraced it to create stories that possessed an unnerving feeling in the spirit of the holiday.

The winners showcased are in no particular order and are all equal. For all those talented participants who did not win, do not be discouraged. The Bulldog Times struggled to choose only three winners, and we encouraged those who were not recognized to participate in future competitions.

Now, here are three exceptional stories to read on a dark, haunting night.

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“something in the static” by Ivye Tran (9)

“Immediately the hook grabbed my attention. The story built up a nail-biting suspense that made me want to keep reading,” staff writer, Alexa Corpuz (10), said.

“Just the right amount of vagueness, intertwined with imagery, which keeps the reader on the edge of their seats, waiting for what might happen next,” Editor-In-Chief, Elisabeth Lee (12), said.

“Drip, Drip, Dead.” by Zoie Francisco (9)

“I liked how the author made their submission into a poem that I felt like captured seasonal depression. I also enjoyed how the author started and ended with the same phrase, because it allows the readers to realize why the poem started that way,” staff writer, Olivia Rivera (11), said.

“The flow of the poem made me feel very frightened. I think the way the beginning phrase and  the ending matched was also very interesting and connected the poem together,” Social Media Manager, Laila Kumar (11), said.

“lost children will (NOT) be found” by Celeste Guerrero (10)

“The details and gothic elements that were used made this story interesting and gave the perfect amount of horror. I believe this was the perfect story without dialogue for the spooky season,” News Editor, Madison O’ Neill (12), said.

“The experience of reading each individual police report was one of a kind and something I have never seen done before when telling a story. Seeing how this figure has taken over the body of its host over each report was thrilling seeing goosebumps throughout the body,” staff writer, Nicholas Tovmasyan (10), said.

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Thank you to all the gifted students who shared their spooky stories, and congratulations to all of the winners! Please stop by room B103 with your student ID to pick up your prize: a Barnes & Noble gift card.

For anyone who wishes to participate in contests such as these in the future, keep your eye out for more announcements from The Bulldog Times.