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Arts & Entertainment

"Our Own Expressions" Contest Highlights Creative Teens

March 4 is deadline for Pierce County Library System competition with enticing rewards.

The is giving creative teenagers the opportunity to be published, win cash prizes and earn other honors.

The 2011 "Our Own Expressions" contest is intended to draw submissions of original poetry, short stories, drawings and photography by seventh- through 12th-grade students from throughout Pierce County.

Submissions must be in March 4.

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Mary Getchell, communications director for the library system, said that the contest began 15 years ago but has evolved into a more comprehensive package.

"One version was writing only,"  she said in a phone interview. "Then we added art and this year we added photography. We wanted to give teenagers the opportunity to express themselves in a way that worked best for them."

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Cash prizes between $50 and $100 await winners in three age groups consisting of seventh and eighth grade, ninth and 10th grade, and 11th and 12th grade, as well as in all four artistic categories. In addition, any teen who wins will get their work published in books distributed to Pierce County libraries and the student's own school.  A special ceremony on May 26 at Pacific Lutheran University will honor the winners.

Those interested can obtain entry forms at any Pierce County Library or through the library system's website, search the term "OOX." Students may enter online as well and can compete as individuals or groups. Concerning entries in the writing categories, judges will look for originality, general presentation, grammar, spelling, and skill levels appropriate to the age group. For visual art, age appropriate skill will also be considered, along with composition, creativity, and effective use of media.

The 2010 contest drew over 1,000 entries.  Let's encourage UP's talented teens to get those entries in by March 4.

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