CNY Reads Writing Contest
Announcement of Winners & Student Presentations
Winners, Winning Essays & Winning Poems
CNY READS 2009-2010
MARCH By Geraldine Brooks
Respond to any of the following prompts:
Mr. March says that the Civil War is a “just war.” Discuss the idea of a “just war.” Is there such a thing? What makes a war a “just war”? How does one decide?
When do moral and political ideals supercede family obligations? Or shouldn’t they?
March’s letters home don’t reveal the horror of the war. Is there ever a time when it is best not to tell loved ones the entire truth? What are the consequences of such a decision?
Sometimes idealism falters in the face of reality. Discuss a situation in which your idealism was tested. What was the situation and in what way was your view of the situation idealistic? Did reality temper your views? Or did reality strengthen your original view?
Judging criteria: Essays will be judged on clarity, originality, and development of ideas.
Submission guidelines: The contest is open to all high school students.
Essays should be no more than 500 words and should be typed. A cover sheet should include the writer’s name, phone number, grade, age, school, and sponsoring teacher’s name if applicable.
Send print copies to:
CNY Reads Writing Contest
c/o Elizabeth Loftus, Administrator for Branch Services
Onondaga County Public Library
The Galleries of Syracuse
447 S. Salina St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
Prizes: The winning essay (and poem) will be published in the Syracuse Post-Standard. Winners will be invited to participate in a reading of their work to be held at the downtown Onondaga County Public Library. 1st Place winners will receive a pair of tickets to the Gifford Lecture Series, 2nd Place winners will receive a pair of tickets to Syracuse Stage, and 3rd Place winners will receive a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble.
Deadline: Postmarked by March 12th, 2010
POETRY CONTEST
CNY READS 2009-2010
MARCH By Geraldine Brooks
Respond in poetry to Geraldine Brooks’ March. You may write about a specific incident or character in the book, or you may respond to an idea or theme (such as slavery, war, duty, idealism, fidelity. or any other theme you find) presented in the book.
Judging criteria: Poems will be judged on their originality and their ability to elicit a response in the reader.
Submission guidelines: This contest is for students through 12th grade. Poems of any length and style are acceptable.
A cover sheet should include the writer’s name, phone number, grade, age, school, and sponsoring teacher’s name if applicable.
Send print copies to:
CNY Reads Writing Contest
c/o Elizabeth Loftus, Administrator for Branch Services
Onondaga County Public Library
The Galleries of Syracuse
447 S. Salina St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
Prizes: The winning essay (and poem) will be published in the Syracuse Post-Standard. Winners will be invited to participate in a reading of their work to be held at the downtown Onondaga County Public Library. 1st Place winners will receive a pair of tickets to the Gifford Lecture Series, 2nd Place winners will receive a pair of tickets to Syracuse Stage, and 3rd Place winners will receive a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble.
Deadline: Postmarked by March 12th, 2010
Last updated: April 9, 2010
OCPL Home > CNY Reads > CNY Reads March > Events