Plan to Enter the 2006 Readers as Writers Contest

The Key Newspaper is holding its annual Readers as Writers Contest.   We want you to enter.

You may enter if you are an adult student in a Wisconsin Basic Skills, GED/HSED, Adult High School, or English as a Second Language class or adult tutoring program, including basic education programs at Wisconsin correctional institutions.

Entries may be in any writing category, such as an essay, poem, short story, opinion, rap, song lyric, or journal entry.   The best entries are often those that are true and personal.   Write about events in your past, your home country, an experience that changed your life, or a tribute to someone you love. If you prefer, write your opinion about world events, like voting or becoming a citizen.

You may submit up to two entries.   However, each entry should be in a different writing category. If you can use a computer, (your teacher or tutor can help), please submit your entry on a diskette or as an email attachment (balistrv@matc.edu).

Limit your entry to no more than two typewritten pages.

Print your name, home address and phone number, literacy program and location, and the name of your instructor clearly at the top of each page. We ask that teachers or tutors send us the entries and review and approve the work beforehand.

Original work for a family publication

The work must be original and appropriate for a family publication. We will not accept work that includes swear words or sexual themes or that glorifies violence or illegal activity. All work will be checked for originality.

The deadline for entries is March 13, 2006. Winning compositions will be published in a book of the best entries selected by a panel of professional writers.

Winning students and their instructors will be presented awards at a reception at the Milwaukee Public Library on May 3 or at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau on May 9.   Northcentral Technical College is hosting an event for students and teachers in the northern part of the state.

Start planning now. Entry forms and other details about the contest are in the mail to your instructors. Check with your instructor or tutor for more information.

The Key Newspaper, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Journal Communications, Inc., the Wisconsin Technical College System Board, the Milwaukee Public Library, and Northcentral Technical College sponsor the Readers as Writers Contest.