National Youth Storytelling Showcase!
Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026 – 7:00 PM
Orem Public Library – Storytelling Wing
Welcome to
National Youth
Story
To empower the nation’s youth through storytelling
Our Mission:
Strengthen Storytelling by promoting and teaching the art of story among young tellers
What’s happening in 2026
Get ready for an exciting adventure like no other. This year, our storytellers are in for an unforgettable experience. With some amazing updates in store, we’re thrilled to bring you even more moments of inspiration, connection, and growth.
Storytellers will participate in two Showcases, learn about the art of storytelling, participate in public humanities discussions, tell for a video recording, and record their stories with The Apple Seed radio and podcast. Storytellers will attend studio recordings for adult tellers. Tour local sites and eat great food from some of our sponsors. Share bonding time at the Museum of Natural Curiosity. All before sharing their stories at Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.
Join us in person or jump on virtually for one of our Facebook Live Showcase events. Please help us thank our sponsors.
Storytellers 2026
Elsie Parkinson
Virginia
Lauren Poll
Utah
Sadie Maxfield
Utah
Hannah Joy Cutrera
Utah
Lily May
Texas
Taytem Harris
Utah
June Elyse Willingham
Florida
Natalynn Hawkins
California
Tessa Taggart
Utah
We appreciate our
Sponsors!
These individuals & organizations provide financial donations, goods and services to make youth storytelling come alive!
Taytem Harris
Taytem is an energetic 8th grader who stays busy with archery, writing her own stories, camping, basketball, theatre, and especially softball. She works hard to maintain good grades and is proud to be part of her school’s Hope Squad.
Sadie Maxfield
Sadie is a ray of sunshine; always smiling and complimenting others. She loves storytelling and acting, thanks to her natural flair for the dramatic. Adventurous and brave, she embraces new experiences that fuel her stories. Sadie enjoys tumbling, dancing, and spending time with friends. This is her first year at the National Youth Storytelling Festival.
Lauren Poll
Lauren, affectionately known as “Lolli,” has been sharing stories since second grade when her teacher encouraged her to try a storytelling festival. She’s often lost in her imagination, performing for her stuffed animals (which may explain some unfinished chores). When not storytelling, she plays the harp, clogs, or reads.
Elsie Parkinson
Like most oldest children, Elsie is the glue that holds her family together. Her family inspires her best stories, plots, and memorable details. While helping siblings learn to read or find missing shoes, storytelling remains her true passion. When the house quiets, stories fill her mind. Elsie lives in Virginia, is homeschooled, plays cello, loves horses despite allergies, and dreams of owning a farm.
Hannah Joy Cutrera
Hannah Joy is a ninth grader from Utah who loves reading, sewing, dance, and storytelling. Now in her third year as a National Youth Storyteller, she’s excited to return and share more tales that connect with audiences.
June Elyse Willingham
June Elyse is a talented second-year National Youth Storyteller from Florida. She thrives on bringing stories to life on stage and draws inspiration from her passions for animals, art, theatre, and reading. June crafts heartfelt tales that spark wonder and create meaningful connections with her listeners.
Lily May
Lily is an 11-year-old sixth grader at TMI Episcopal School in San Antonio, Texas. An award-winning young storyteller and performer, she has competed at the Texas and Timpanogos Storytelling Festivals. This is her second year as a National Youth Storyteller. She enjoys poetry, volleyball, theatre, and community service through Girl Scouts.
Tessa Taggart
Tessa Taggart, the youngest of five, delights in making her family laugh with her hilarity and hijinks. A fierce soccer competitor and loving caregiver to her bunny Cookie, she also loves stories, songs, and babies. She has performed lead roles in Alice in Wonderland and The Lion King. This is her second year as a National Youth Storyteller.
Natalynn Hawkins
Natalynn Hawkins is 13 and loves biking, swimming, family time, and park outings with friends. This year she joined the wrestling team and learned to forage for mushrooms. She enjoys telling stories like Cricket and the Owl, New Horse, and The Golden Axe to elementary students in Fort Bragg, CA. She loves foxes, the color red, and dreams of becoming a chef and restaurateur.