About this Event
FORMATION:
The Young Writers' Committee was established to honor Doris Dickenson, a long-time resident of Guerneville. Doris devoted her life to teaching, raising her four children, and volunteering for various community organizations. She was a member of the River Friends of the Library, the Russian River Senior Center, and the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve. Additionally, she had a keen interest in genealogy and co-authored several biographies and DVDs about the Armstrong family with Carmen Finley.
PURPOSE:
The Young Writers' Committee is committed to fostering the next generation of thinkers and creators. Our goal is to inspire youth to think critically and express their creativity through the art of essay writing on relevant and timely topics.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
ELIGIBILITY:
To participate in the essay contest, students must be in grades 6-8 and reside in Sonoma County. We highly encourage all eligible students to enter the competition.
START/END DATES:
Essay due date: No later than Friday, October 24, 2025, 5 PM
Awards ceremony: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 1-2:30 PM
ESSAY REQUIREMENTS:
Only one submission per student will be considered.
Entries must be the original work of the student.
Essays must be 500 to 1,500 words, double-spaced.
Please use MLA General Format standards.
Essays must be written in English.
ESSAY TOPIC:
What does artificial intelligence (AI) mean to you? Should it be utilized in educational settings, and if so, how can it improve learning?
HOW TO ENTER:
Submit completed essays with the subject line “young writers contest” to:
[email protected]
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Please note that the essays you submit for the contest will be evaluated based on originality, creativity, relevance to the given prompt, and adherence to the contest rules. It is crucial to ensure that your essay is free from any spelling or grammatical errors, so kindly proofread it before submitting it. The judging process will be anonymous, and the essays will be evaluated by adult members of the local community who are not affiliated with the participating schools or any of the participants.
PRIZES:
First, second, and third place winners will be chosen for each grade level (sixth, seventh, and eighth grades), as well as an honorable mention for each grade. First-place winners will receive $100, second-place winners $75, third-place winners $50, and honorable mentions $25.
Essayists are encouraged to attend the awards ceremony to celebrate with friends, family, library staff, and volunteers. Teachers and school administrators are also encouraged to attend.
PUBLICITY RELEASE:
The winning essays may qualify for publication in local news outlets if permitted.
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
Email the Guerneville Regional Teen Services Librarian, Stuart Wilkinson, at [email protected]
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Name: Stuart Wilkinson
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: (707) 869-9004 ext. 0351
Presenter: River Friends of the Library
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Guerneville Regional Library, 14107 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, United States
USD 0.00
