University to host John C. Knox Writing Contest for high school students
Waynesburg University will host the second annual John C. Knox Writing Contest Saturday, Nov. 7.
The contest is free and open to high school students in grades 10 through 12 who attend public, private or home schools in 14 different Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia counties.
The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 30.
The event is hosted by the Department of Communication and the Waynesburg University chapter of Society of the Professional Journalists and sponsored by the Observer Publishing Company.
The contest will be held in Buhl Humanities Building on the university’s campus, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
After a brief welcome, participants will attend a group press conference with Michael Cipoletti, assistant professor at the university.
Cipoletti is retired from the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Laboratory and directs the forensic scienceprogram at the University.
Following the conference, contest entrants will be given two hours to write a news feature article about Cipoletti and his experiences. They can then enjoy lunch and take a campus tour.
Articles will be judged by members of the Department of Communication, members of the Society of Professional Journalists and other professionals.
Three finalists will receive prizes of $500, $300 and $200 for first, second and third place, respectively.
All participants will receive a t-shirt, and the first-place winner will see their article published in the Yellow Jacket student newspaper.
Named for John C. Knox, the first editor of the university’s student newspaper, the contest seeks to honor high school students with a particular affinity for newswriting.
To register, visit info.waynesburg.edu/john-c-knox-writing-contest. For more information, contact Brandon Szuminsky at 724-852-3427 or bszumins@waynesburg.edu.