Outdoor Writers Youth Writing Contest

The Long Island Outdoor Communicators Network, On The Water magazine and the Coastal Conservation Association New York proudly announce the 2012 Youth Essay Writing Contest. The goal of the contest is to encourage essay writing as a means to introduce children and young adults to the core values, benefits, traditions and enjoyment of fishing and other outdoors activities, and to perpetuate and enhance fundamental writing skills among the current and next generation of America's youth.

The contest is open to all Long Island and New York City school age children enrolled in grades 1 through 12 for the 2012 calendar year. 

There are four eligibility categories:  Elementary Category A (Grades 1 through 3); Elementary Category B (Grades 4 through 6); Junior Category (Grades 7 through 9); Senior Category (Grades 10 through 12). 

The contest themes are: 1) My Favorite Fishing Story; 2) What Fishing Means to Me; and 3) How My Generation Can Help Conserve the World’s Fish Populations.

A distinguished panel of judges, comprised of educators, editors, and award winning writers and book authors, has been assembled to evaluate all entries.  The contest will run throughout the balance of 2012, with all submissions due no later than October 31, 2012.  

According to Angelo Peluso, founding member of the Long Island Outdoor Communicators Network and 2012 Youth Writing Contest Coordinator, "The first LIOCN-sponsored contest in 2009 was met with such exceptional response and participation that a follow-up event has become a much anticipated event.  Many schools, institutions and organizations throughout Long Island embraced the first contest and used it as an academic learning experience for their students and children.  We expect this contest to draw even greater student involvement and success."

The Long Island Outdoor Communicators Network is a group of dedicated outdoors journalists, editors, book authors, photographers, lecturers and videographers whose mission is to promote a better understanding of and appreciation for traditional outdoors sports. On The Water is the flagship publication of On The Water magazine and Television, and is a highly respected and widely-read regional fishing magazine with extensive readership throughout the entire Northeast.  The Coastal Conservation Association New York advises and educates the public on conservation of marine resources and works to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of these coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.

Requests for additional information or questions about the contest should be directed to Angelo Peluso, Contest Coordinator, LIOCN.  E-mail HERE for more info.