Calling all writers, cartoonists, photographers, graphic designers and videographers.
Get published. Win prizes.

This contest is open to students in grades 6–12 who live or attend school within The Free Lance–Star readership area.

Limit: One entry per student per category.

Entries must be original, not previously published

Winners receive:
* $50 cash
* Publication in The Free Lance-Star and/or fredericksburg.com
* Recognition at an awards ceremony at The Free Lance-Star on Monday, May 7, 2012

Judging:
Newsroom and advertising staff will select up to three winning entries per category. Middle-school and high-school entries will be considered separately.

Honorable Mention:
Additional entries will be featured on fredericksburg.com in an honorable-mention category. Winners in this category will receive certificates of achievement and their names listed in the newspaper.

Entry Deadline: Friday, March 23, 2012
Winners Notified: Friday, April 20, 2012
Publication and Presentation of Awards: Monday, May 7, 2012

Contest FAQs

Teachers:
If submitting entries as a class assignment, please submit only entries that meet the guidelines for publication. Screen for plagiarism to the best of your ability.

Submission opportunities cover many Virginia SOLs. Click here for English SOL correlations.

Contest Categories with Tips from Our Staff
Before you create, check out format requirements, judging criteria and tips from our staff.
    Feature Story or Personal Column
    Commentary
    Editorial Cartoon
    Comic Strip
    Photography
    Ad Design - Print Ad
    Ad Design - Animated Banner Ad
    Video News or Feature Report
    Blog