30th Annual NJCL Creative Writing Contest

Theme:  The legend of... (Tell a story from Greek/Roman history or classical mythology.)

This contest is open to all members of the National Junior Classical League.  The names of any winners in attendance at the 2008 NJCL Convention will be announced, although a student does not to attend the convention in order to enter this contest.

Deadline for entries is Wednesday, February 6, 2008.  Any entries postmarked later than two days after the deadline will not be judged.

Submit three copies of the story and the original with a cover sheet to:

NJCL Creative Writing Contest
c/o Andrea Stehle
John Paul Stevens High School
600 North Ellison
San Antonio, Texas 78253

If you have any questions about the entry rules or suggestions for future topics, please contact Andrea Stehle

Format:  All entries must:

  • be 900 to 1200 words in length (significantly more or fewer words will not be judged)

  • be typed and double-spaced

  • have each page numbered

  • have the title at the top of each page

  • not have the name of the student on the pages of the story

  • have a bibliography (Any sources used for information should be listed.)

  • not have cardboard or plastic covers or artwork

  • be proofread

  • have three copies (each stapled separately) in addition to the original with a cover sheet

One cover sheet should be attached to the original with the following information:

    1.  Title of story
    2.  Name of student
    3.  Name, phone number, and e-mail address of the sponsor
    4.  Name and address of school
    5.  Grade level of student
    6.  Level of Latin in which student is enrolled
    7.  Signature of teacher (must be member of ACL)

Judging:  Entries will be judged according to the following criteria:

30% Creativity and originality (concept, adaptation, ideas, and imagination)
10% Quality of content (adherence to topic)
15% Historical accuracy (including works cited)
15% Organization, development, and clarity (including length)

10%

 Style (word choice, vocabulary, sentence structure)
10% Mechanics (grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization)
10% Overall impression

Teachers:  Your signature means you have read the story.  Please verify that students adhere to the topic, proofread their work, include a bibliography, and three copies, and are registered with the National JCL for the 2007-2008 school year.