Opportunities for high school writers

Several organizations and colleges have contests, some with cash prizes, open to high school students.

The Teacher's Selection: Anthology of Eleventh Grade Poetry is encouraging all high school juniors to submit poetry to their English teacher. The teachers will then collectively select three poems to be published in the anthology. Every school that participates by submitting three poems will get a complimentary hard cover copy of the anthology. The authors will receive a "Certificate of nomination" and have their work published.

For more information, visit their website. All entries must be sent by March 16, 2004.

Science fiction writers and artists of all types are invited to submit an entry to Baltimore Worldcon, inc. Any essays, short stories and artwork must be postmarked by March 31, 2004. Winners will be announced Sept. 4, 2004 and receive a T-shirt and a $50 gift certificate from a major bookstore. They will also be invited to attend five days of Noreascon 4, the 62nd World Science Fiction Convention Finalists in September. Finalists will get a T-shirt and a $5 gift certificate. All contestants will receive a certificate for participating. More information about the contest is available online.

The Simon's Rock College of Bard is part of the National Writing and thinking Network, a consortium of summer writing programs. They will choose 70-80 students based on an application essay and an accompanying teacher's recommendation. Students will stay on campus in dormitories with adults who are part of the Simon's Rock staff for three weeks. Tuition is $1,925 Admissions began in January and usually lasts until late May or early June. Scholarships and modest financial aid are available with an earlier deadline. An application form can be obtained from the English office or from jamieh@simons-rock.edu and more information from their website.

For more information on any contest, visit the English office, Rm. 141.