Lake Writers sponsoring student writing contest

Lake Writers, a member of Smith Mountain Arts Council, is accepting entries to its annual regional writing contest for middle school and high school students who reside in Franklin, Bedford and Pittsylvania counties.

The contest, also open to home-schooled students in the three counties, requires a writer to submit an original, true story in essay form about a lesson learned. It may be a big or small lesson. It may have happened in or outside of school. The writer can be the participant in the lesson or an observer.

Essays must be no longer than 2,000 words. There is no minimum length.

Cash prizes, $100 for first place, $75 for second place, $50 for third place and $25 for honorable mention will be awarded in two categories: middle school and high school.

The deadline for entries is Tuesday, March 24.

Entries must adhere to strict rules and formatting instructions. For details, visit freewebs.com/lakewriters.

Send essays to Lake Writers Student Essay contest, c/o Becky Mushko, 8 Listening Hill Road, Penhook, VA 24137. For more information, contact Betsy Ashton, SMAC PR Director, at betsy_ashton2005@yahoo.com or at 297-3585.