Support Student Founded Writing Competition

Hello!

My name is Bena Rodecap and I am a junior at Grant High School. I fell in love with writing a long time ago. I've competed in multiple national writing competitions successfully, and while competing is a really fun part of what I do, what brings me the most joy is writing. That's why, when I was looking at how I could personally help bolster our student community at Grant, I immediately thought of starting my own writing competition.

Writing is more than just a hobby to me. It holds value, real value, both emotionally and therapeutically. It helps me process the hardest moments of my life and allows me to turn the page to a brighter chapter as well. I believe that whether you are immediately drawn to it or not, everybody deserves to experience the process of creation and writing. We can learn so much from each other, and we can grow in ways that we didn't know we could.

The competition I have started is called "Author: U," and it is a 1500-word short story contest that encourages participants to interpret and write about the theme "Transitions" in any way that they would like. The first-place winner's story will be published in our prestigious, award-winning Grant Magazine, and school personnel and I have all agreed that it would be incredible to have a monetary prize as well.

That's why I need your help! After several strands of communication, our PTA (who are totally wonderful) is unable to help fund the (at least) $300 that we hope to raise. Every dollar will go to funding the competition, including the monetary prize that will go to the winner of the competition. If we surpass our goal, it would be incredible to be able to allocate prizes to 2nd and 3rd place as well. If you're able to support our cause, then we would be thrilled to mention you as a sponsor when the issue regarding this competition is published in Grant Magazine. We will also send you a copy of the winning story!

High schoolers are busy, busy people, so I'm hoping that the addition of a monetary prize will encourage and make this competition worthwhile to be slotted into those already packed lives. It might rekindle a love for writing in those who have already discovered their passion, and it might be a journey that allows somebody else to find their love for it.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!

Thank you for helping me make this project happen. It is a dream to have your support.

Sincerely,

Bena Rodecap