University hosts writing contest
Waynesburg University will host the John C. Knox Writing Contest next month.
The Nov. 7 contest, in its second year, is free and open to students in grades 10-12 who attend public, private or home schools in 14 counties in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio.
The contest will be held in Buhl Humanities Building on the university’s campus, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Deadline to register is Oct. 30.
The event is hosted by the Department of Communication and the Waynesburg University chapter of Society of Professional Journalists and sponsored by Observer Publishing Co.
“The contest is designed to recognize students in high school who have a passion for writing and journalism,” communications instructor Brandon Szuminsky said.
After a brief welcome, participants will attend a group news conference with assistant professor Michael Cipoletti, who is retired from the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Laboratory and directs the forensic science program at the university.
Cipoletti has extensive training and professional experience investigating and processing illicit drug labs, hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction, and he has testified as an expert in forensic science numerous times in the state and federal courts.
After the conference, contest entrants will be given two hours to write a news feature article about Cipoletti and his experiences.
Members of the university’s Department of Communication, Society of Professional Journalists and Observer-Reporter newspaper professionals will judge articles.
Three finalists will receive prizes of $500, $300 and $200. All participants will receive a T-shirt, and the first- place article will be published in the Yellow Jacket, Waynesburg’s student newspaper.
Named for John C. Knox, the first editor of the university’s student newspaper, the contest seeks to congratulate high school students with a particular affinity for newswriting.
Students can visit www.info.waynesburg.edu/john-c-knox-writing-contest to register. For more information, contact Szuminsky at 724-852-3427 or bszumins@waynesburg.edu.