The submission period for the George Duncan Essay Contest, sponsored by the Monadnock Writers’ Group, is March 1.

High school students in the Monadnock region attending public, private and homeschool programs are invited to write opinion pieces on the issues that matter most to them. The contest is free. A panel of judges with experience in publishing will select finalists based on creativity, factual accuracy, grammar and how well opinions are supported.

Cash prizes will be awarded: first place $250, second place $100 and third place $75.  Winners will be invited to read their essays at the April 20 Monadnock Writers’ Group meeting. 

Students are encouraged to review the submission guidelines before entering. Guidelines are online at monadnockwriters.org/george-duncan-essay-contest.

“Being able to get your point of view across is part art, part science, and like most things, we get better at it by doing it. George Duncan was a master at op-ed writing.” stated Ron McIntire, contest coordinator and Monadnock Writers’ Group board member. “Today’s teenagers excel at social media communications, yet businesses and colleges look for good writing skills. The essay contest challenges high school students to present and substantiate a firmly held opinion.”

Since 1984 the Monadnock Writers’ Group (MWG) has supported local writers of all genres and levels of achievement. Monthly meetings, held on the third Saturday of each month, bring writers to the Monadnock region to offer their experiences. In addition, MWG publishes periodic anthologies and “Smoky Quartz,” a semi-annual online journal of literature and art. Throughout the year MWG hosts contests, public readings and informal gatherings to raise awareness of the literary talent in the Monadnock region.  Learn more at monadnockwriters.org and smokyquartz.org.

For information about the George Duncan Essay Contest, send email to McIntire at rmmcintire@outlook.com.