Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico (NMDCA) Congratulates Winners of Inaugural National K12 Writing Contest

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico (NMDCA), an online public school serving students in grades K-12 statewide, is proud to announce two winners of the inaugural K12 Writing Competition. Kelsie Annichiarico, a ninth grader from Gallup, New Mexico, was awarded first place in K12’s 2025 Writing Competition in the fiction category for her piece entitled, “The Truth.” Grant Inetianbor, a first grader from Alamogordo, New Mexico, was awarded first place in the fiction category for his piece entitled, “Super Troll.” Both winning entries, among others, can be found here.

More than 2,000 K12-powered students across the country entered their writing into K12’s inaugural Writing Competition for 2025, which closed on January 20, 2026. There were nearly 26,000 public votes cast for students’ entries across the competition. In recognition of their achievement, first-place winners receive a $250 prize. Plus, their entries will also be published in an official K12 Writing Competition book.

“I’ve always enjoyed writing. From the time I was very little, I would create and write short stories,” said winner Kelsie Annichiarico. “To actually win first place for my writing is incredible and has motivated me to keep doing so. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the writing competition. Thank you K12!”

“K12’s writing competition was a tremendous platform for my daughter to highlight her creativity and passion for writing,” said Cora Annichiarico, Kelsie’s mother. “There are many people in our lives who’ve encouraged Kelsie’s writing skills and passion for reading, which we feel so blessed for. We’re pleased that K12 provides fun opportunities like this for students to showcase their skills and to broaden excitement about writing and learning.”

“Grant is always so excited to write and learn new things at school. It meant a lot to see his creativity recognized,” said John Inetianbor, Grant’s father. “We’re very grateful that the school gives students opportunities like this that build confidence and encourage their talents.”

K12 has served millions of students nationwide, helping students access high-quality education from home through its network of public and private online schools and programs, personalized tutoring and accredited homeschool curriculum. A key part of our student experience is the student competitions that provide students with opportunities to shine in a cook-off, robotics, photography, art and more.

“We saw students’ imagination, heart, and powerful voices on full display this year when reviewing all of the amazing submissions in our inaugural Writing Competition,” said Daniel Diamond, Executive Director of NMDCA. “Congratulations to both Kelsie and Grant on their much-deserved first-place wins for their writing, and for representing Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico so well in this competition.”

About Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico

Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico (NMDCA) is an online public school serving students in grades K-12 across New Mexico, offering a blend of core academic subjects and career-focused programs. Powered by K12, a Stride, Inc. portfolio brand, NMDCA is tuition-free, authorized by Santa Rosa Consolidated Schools and Chama Valley Independent School District. The school helps students gain valuable skills for future success, whether in higher education or the workforce. Explore more at nmdca.k12.com.

About K12

For 25 years, K12 has been a national leader in virtual education, serving more than three million students across the country. K12 provides families with flexible learning options, including online public and private schools, personalized tutoring and accredited homeschool curriculum. K12 is a portfolio brand of Stride, Inc.