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Writing Contests for Youth - Spring 2022

Vermont/New England Contests
  • The Vermont Holocaust Memorial Annual Student Contest

Ages 9-18

Cash prizes, 1st place $100, 2nd place $75, and 3rd place $50, will be awarded to the top three submissions in each of the following age groups: ages 16-18, ages 13-15, ages 9-12

Deadline is March 7, 2022

Link: https://www.holocaustmemorial-vt.org/20212022-student-contest

Description and more information: The Vermont Holocaust Memorial asks students to reflect on the following prompt using poetry, prose, art or film to answer the question: How does the story of one Holocaust survivor inspire you or give you hope in the face of today’s challenges? Cash prizes will be awarded.

  • Growing Works of Art Contest

Grades 1-8

Entries due March 11, 2022

Link: https://vtcommunityforestry.org/celebrate/arbor-day/growing-works-art-contest-grades-1-8

Description and additional information: Growing Works of Art is an arts and writing contest for students in grades 1-8. This contest is hosted in partnership with UVM Extension and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, & Recreation. This year’s theme Share your TREE-mendous Story! celebrates the connections we share with trees by creating a work of art and written story that showcases a meaningful experience or memory enjoyed because of the trees in our lives. Students will write a short story (one to three paragraphs) and create art illustrating their chosen tree. There is also a supporting activity guide for instructors and parents: https://vtcommunityforestry.org/sites/default/files/pictures/growingworksofartactivityguide2022.pdf  Contest entries can be submitted via mail or email (new this year). All entries must include an entry form.

Entries can by mailed to:

Rebecca Roy
1 National Life Drive, Davis 2
Montpelier, VT 05620-3801

Or email entries (link to a folder or scanned document) to: Rebecca.roy@vermont.gov.

  • Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest

Ages 11-18

Deadline: June 13

Description & additional information: Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs 11th Annual Ocean Awareness Contest is open to youth 11-18 nationwide & worldwide. The 2022 Ocean Awareness Contest -THE FUNNY THING ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE—challenges students to learn about climate change and its impact on the ocean, and to explore new ways to communicate the urgency of the climate crisis. There are multiple categories and cash prizes up to $1,500. The deadline is June 13th for the contest. 

National Contest
  • Northwind Storytelling Contest

Macmillan Children's Publishing Group invites storytellers ages 10–14 to continue the adventure of literary legend Gary Paulsen's final novel, the New York Times bestseller Northwind. Entries for the Northwind Storytelling Contest are open February 4th through April 4th, 2022. Find more information online at: http://click.mail.macmillan.com/?qs=664fe0828488c7b6bcb33382e403636b3c854257993d5430cd131a191d8a5b685f414dd1bbc4623b186ff3c8b48ad3168e839cea31b5ed25