Writing Contests

Writing contests give students an opportunity to focus on a topic area, formulate ideas and opinions, express their thoughts clearly and creatively, and potentially be recognized for their work. Students work closely with teachers to learn the art of organizing words on paper in a way that conveys their ideas to the audience in a clear and powerful way. For more information on any of the writing contests, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Letters About Literature is an annual essay contest sponsored by the Library of Congress. Students in fourth through twelfth grades are asked to write letters to an author whose book(s) hold special meaning to them. This is not a fan letter, but rather a letter that shows how the student has connected to the writer's work. Students can win or place at both the state and national levels and Lafayette has always had its share of winners. The deadline for submission is in mid-December, and winners are announce in the spring.

The Parkmont Poetry Contest is sponsored by the local private school of that name. It is for students in grades six through twelve and usually has a February deadline. Prominent poets judge this contest and winners are honored in the spring.

The Larry Neal Young Writers' Awards is named after one of D.C.'s prominent black writers and is sponsored by the D.C. Arts and Humanities Commission. Students in grades three and up can enter in one of three categories: poetry, essay or short fiction. Over the past several years, Lafayette students and graduates have been well represented at the spring awards ceremony. The deadline for submissions is usually in February or March.

Ad-hoc writing opportunities are continuously being researched by Lafayette's reading specialists. Local newspapers and organizations sometimes sponsor poetry or writing contests for local school students. Lafayette students are encouraged to participate in these one-of-a-kind opportunities to express their ideas and showcase their talents in a public forum.