The New Jersey Council of Teachers of English invites New Jersey students in grades 9-12 to participate in its 2020 Writing Contest:
“Social Breath 2020”
Deadline: January 11, 2021
Categories:
- Poetry (one poem, 50-line max)
- Short Story (5 page max, double-spaced)
- Personal Essay (5 page max, double-spaced; MUST respond to prompt)
PERSONAL ESSAY PROMPT:
Write a personal essay or narrative about taking a Social Breath in 2020.
In 2020, we have heard a clarion call for social change. Names such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery have become familiar to all who read or listen to the news. Many columnists, politicians, and everyday citizens are calling for change. In a personal essay or narrative, consider the call for social change as you experience it. Have you actively participated? If so, how has your participation manifested itself? If not, why have you chosen another path? What other factors impact your thinking about being a responsible citizen and engaging in actions and activities that result in a socially and emotionally secure world?
Entry Criteria:
- Only New Jersey high school students (public or private) are eligible to enter
- Students may submit a maximum of one entry in each category (i.e., one poem, one short story, and one personal essay)
- Teachers may submit up to ten entries for their students in each genre. Surplus entries will be disqualified in order of submission date.
- The file submitted must be anonymous. Essays, short stories, and personal essays with a name, school, or class typed on them will be disqualified.
Submission Links:
- Poetry Submissions: https://www.formpl.us/form/1596696005
- Personal Essay Submissions: https://www.formpl.us/form/1621666005
- Short Story Submissions: https://www.formpl.us/form/1631266002
New Jersey Council of Teachers of English 