High School Essay Contest
Theme
Why are Free and Independent News Media Important
Who’s eligible?
All students enrolled in grades 9-12 in public, private and home schools.
Students must submit original work and have a sponsoring teacher sign the contest entry form.
(Entry form link is below.)
Format
The essay should be 300-500 words.
Entries may be typed or handwritten but must be double-spaced.
Send essay entries to:
SPJ High School Essay Contest
c/o: Andy Schotz
P.O. Box 19555
Washington, DC 20036
The contest is sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists and the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.
The winner of the Washington, D.C., chapter contest will be entered in the national competition.
National Awards
First Place: $1,000 scholarship
Second Place: $500 scholarship
Third Place: $300 scholarship
The Washington, D.C., chapter essay winner and one escort will also be the guest of a long-time local chapter member at the annual Dateline Awards dinner June 15.