by William Young, President Sassafras Literary Exchange
originally published in the Pickens County Progress, Thursday, October 1, 2020
Despite the difficulties this year has brought, we must persevere. Holding on to our traditions is of extreme importance now. The Creative Writing for Youth contest from the Sassafras Literary Exchange has become a tradition for Pickens County students. In the 39th year, this annual contest plans to carry on that tradition.
As in past years, the contest consists of three categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry. There is a division for high school students and one for middle grades students which includes 6th grade and Junior High pupils. This year’s contest begins on Thursday, October 1st and runs through Monday, November 2nd.
The competition is available to any student in the above grades who live in and are educated in Pickens County. Home schooled and alternate education students are eligible just as those in the public institutions. With help from Community Bank of Pickens County, Sassafras will again be able to give monetary awards to the top three winners of each category. First place in the high school categories will receive $75 while second place will earn $50 with third place bringing $25. Prize money for the middle grades will be $60, $40, and $20.
This contest is a terrific opportunity for students to showcase the skills that they have achieved during many hours of classroom instruction over the years. It is also an opportunity to make their parents proud. But the best thing about this contest is that it gives the students an opportunity to express themselves. A lot of the writing that these students have undertaken has been assigned. Not something of the students choosing, but that which is required of them, the Sassafras contest is completely voluntary and entrants may write about anything which they choose.
The bonus, aside from a monetary reward and pleasing their parents, these kiddos who enter may find out that writing can actually be fun.