How it Works
In 750 words or less, writing in any genre or combine of genres (essay, short story, poem, play, etc.) answer this question: "How should we improve the state of South Carolina?"
Submissions are evaluated based on originality of response and quality of writing. Up to thirty First Round Winners, selected from initial submissions, will be invited to the Honors College at the University of South Carolina campus to receive their awards and to participate in the Second Round Competition in February 2016. The Second Round will consist of an impromptu 45 minute essay response to be written that day.
Eligibility
The contest is open to all high school students who are residents of South Carolina and who will be seniors or juniors in September 2015.
Award
First Prize: $1000
Second Prize: $500
Third Prize: $250
**Up to thirty First Round Winners will be published in a USC Press Anthology in the Young Palmetto Books series; will be recognized in press releases; will tour USC Libraries' Special Collections and other USC campus highlights; will be reimbursed for travel expenses (in accord with state guidelines); and will receive formal certificates of award. For each grade level the Grand Prize Winners, as selected by the judge, will receive additional cash awards (see above).
All Finalists will receive:
- lunch with esteemed South Carolina authors and tours of USC Libararies' Special Collections
- autographed books by SC writers
- editing by professional and academic editors
- publication in a USC Press young writers anthology.
Additional Information
1st Place Prize for Seniors is named for Dr. Walter B. Edgar and funded by Thad Westbrook.
1st Place Prize for Juniors is named for Dorothy S. Williams and funded by an anonymous donor.
Sponsored by the University of South Carolina Honors College, the University of South Carolina Press, Young Palmetto Books, and the University of South Carolina Library and Information Science.
To Apply visit www.schc.sc.edu/writing-contest.
Finalists will be notified via email.
(Referenced from USC Honors College web page.)