Writing contest set at Waynesburg U.
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WAYNESBURG – Sponsored by the Observer Publishing Co., Waynesburg University will host the John C. Knox Writing Contest for high school students Nov. 1 on the Waynesburg University campus.
The first-place winner will receive a $500 cash prize, while the second-and third-place winners will receive $300 and $200, respectively. Additionally, the first-place winner’s article will be published in the Yellow Jacket, the university’s student newspaper. All participants will receive a T-shirt.
“This contest is a recognition of the importance of writing for students of all ages,” said Brandon Szuminsky, instructor of communication at Waynesburg University.
“The department of communication and the Observer-Reporter have teamed up on this because we want to encourage young writers, especially ones that are interested in journalism, to follow their passion and maybe be rewarded for their talents.”
The contest will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a welcome and instructions, followed by an hour-long news conference and then a two-hour writing period. Students will participate in a one-hour press conference with Lanny Frattare, the voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates for 33 years and an assistant professor at Waynesburg.
“The contest is designed to give students an encapsulated experience on what it’s like to write a journalistic profile story with one of the most interesting local media personalities in Pittsburgh, Lanny Frattare,” Szuminsky said.
Afterward, they will write a feature article based on the press conference. Articles will be judged by local newspaper journalists as well as members of Waynesburg University’s Department of Communication and the university’s student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
The contest is open to all students in grades 10 through 12 in public, private and home schools within the following counties: Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland in Pennsylvania; Marshall, Monongalia, Ohio, Preston and Wetzel in West Virginia; and Belmont, Jefferson and Monroe in Ohio.
A free lunch will be provided in the university’s cafeteria following the writing period. Optional campus tours will be offered following lunch.
Space for the event is limited. Register now at waynesburg.edu/knox-writing. Registration is open until Oct. 17.
For more information, email Brandon Szuminsky at bszumins@waynesburg.edu or call 724-852-3427.