The National Writing Project of Acadiana announces the annual Writes of Spring writing contest for young authors. The contest is open to students from grades one through twelve.  Teachers are encouraged to submit worthy samples of their students' work, or students may submit their own work directly.  Only one entry per student will be judged.   Each division of the contest includes three categories: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
               The Junior contest will include three divisions: grades 1-2, grades 3-4, and grades 5-6.  Fiction and nonfiction entries may not exceed 750 words.  In the poetry category, students may enter up to three poems, not to exceed 100 lines.  Prizes will be awarded in each of the grade level divisions for each of the three categories as follows: first place - $20, second place - $15, third place - $10.
              The Senior contest will consist of three grade-level divisions: grades 7-8, grades 9-10, and grades 11-12.  Fiction and nonfiction entries may not exceed 1500 words.  In the poetry category, students may enter up to three poems, not to exceed 100 lines.  Prizes will be awarded in each of the five grade level divisions for each of the three categories as follows: first place - $50, second place - $25, third place - $15.
             Students may also submit poetry, fiction, or nonfiction entries written in French in either the Junior Division, grades 1 6, or the Senior Division, grades 7 12.  Cash prizes and word limits for the French contest are the same as those for the Junior and Senior contests above.  Translations are not required.
              Students should submit only one entry.  All entries should be typed and must be accompanied by a copy of the entry/release form.  The winners of all divisions will be invited to read their winning entries at an awards ceremony to be held in the fall of 2008.  Each winner will receive an anthology containing all the winning entries, and their work will be submitted to a statewide contest sponsored by the Louisiana Writing Projects.
              Entries must be postmarked by March 20, 2008 to be eligible, and the winners will be notified by May 15, 2008.  To obtain entry/release forms, e-mail:
lawpwrites@aol.com

 To submit entries, contact:
Margaret Simon at 3 Duperier Oaks, New Iberia, LA. 70563.