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The Monarch Writing Competition

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The Monarch is holding a Writing Competition to encourage
students to think about the complexity surrounding environmental
issues and submit a poem, short story, or essay. The
instructions for each category are detailed below. Please read
carefully.

2026 Theme
One Earth, Many Voices: Stories of Nature, Climate, and Change

Competition Dates

Start

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End

January 24, 2009
11:59 PM

January 24, 2009
11:59 PM

Competition Prizes

General Guidelines

All entries must be sent to monarchnewspaper@gmail.com by January 24, 2009, 11:59 PM

Maximum of 1 entry per person for each category
Format of entry: All entries must be typed in 12 pt font and double-spaced spaced

No vulgar or derogatory language will be accepted
Must be written in English
Must be previously unpublished, original work

Any use of AI will result in immediate disqualification

Category Specific Guidelines

Poetry

​Guidelines:

  • Express a concern or appreciation for nature, or a way humans can be a better steward of the planet.

  • Minimum 3 lines, maximum 40 lines

  • Include a title, not included as a line in the poem

 

Judging Process:

  • Entries will be judged anonymously

  • Poetic technique, effectiveness, style, creativity, use of poetic devices, vocabulary, imagery, and symbolism

Short Story

​Guidelines:

  • Write an original fiction involving an environmental issue of your choice

  • The story must have a theme or moral that you would like to convey.

  • Must be under 3,000 words

  • ​Include a title, not included in the word count

 

Judging Process:

  • Entries will be judged anonymously

  • Theme, plot, character development, vocabulary, and imagery

Essay

​Guidelines:

  • Write your opinion on a solution to climate change
    that has been presented by someone and s    upport or refute the idea, OR write your original idea, or suggestions on how to minimize or diminish environmental degradation. Include any supporting evidence.

  • Must be under 1,000 words

  • ​Include a title, not included in the word count

 

Judging Process:

  • Entries will be judged anonymously

  • Persuasiveness, clarity, effectiveness, and organization

How to Submit

  1. Name your work with the following format: MWC-name-category-title

  2. Download a PDF copy of your work

  3. ​Send the PDF to: monarchnewspaper@gmail.com

    • Make sure the subject line is in the following format: MWC-name-category-title​

  4. Wait for results!

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