2012 - 2013 High School Essay Writing Contest

Note: submissions are now closed. Thanks to everyone who participated. We will post the winners online when they have been chosen.

WDSE WRPT is pleased to announce the revival of the Annual High School Essay contest for school year 2012-13. For many years, WDSE WRPT held an annual photography, art, and essay contest for high school students throughout the area. Thousands of dollars in scholarships, special recognition ceremonies, and media coverage helped to make the contest a special event for area students and one that we were proud to sponsor.

This year, the essay component of the competition is being reinstated for high school students with a writing prompt to get students motivated to write about works of art that have been influential in their lives.

Students have the opportunity to submit an essay of up to 500 words on the designated topic:

"Select a creative work--a novel, a film, a poem, a musical piece, a painting, or other work of art that has influenced the way you view the world and the way you view yourself. Discuss the work and its effect on you."

We encourage English and composition teachers to make this an assignment for all students to give everyone a chance to win one of the $500 first place/$250 second place/or $100 third place scholarships. For students working on college application essays, this topic could be adaptable for open or common essay prompts.

Students must attach the submission form to their typed essays (unless submitting online). The judging will be done without student information attached, so that the judges will not know name or school affiliation. The deadline for essay submission is December 19, 2012. Submissions are only eligible from students within our viewing area.

A panel of area English teachers and college professors will read and judge the essays with the winners to be announced in February. A recognition ceremony will be held on March 24 at the Marshall School in Duluth to honor the winners (and honorable mention recipients) and to award the scholarships.

Principals and English department chairs, we appreciate your assistance in sharing this information with each English and composition teacher in your building and getting our submission deadline on your school calendars for 2012-2013.

If you have questions about the contest, please contact Sheryl Jensen at 218-525-4230 or Kathy Clark at 218-724-5147.

Thank you for helping us spread the word about the essay contest with your staff. We are excited to bring back this special contest for high school students in our viewing area.