Journalism Contest
Sponsored by the SC Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
We are no longer accepting entries
for the 2010 Journalism Contest.
The winner of the 2010 Journalism Contest receives a four-year scholarship to the South Carolina state-supported institution of his or her choice provided, of course, that the winner is otherwise qualified.
The scholarship pays for undergraduate tuition and fees. Each institution has its own definition of tuition and fees, which may or may not include room and board. The winner must be able to verify financial need to the state-supported institution of his or her choice, which may include completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
The scholarship may be canceled if the recipient does not maintain general scholastic and conduct standards established by the institution.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the 2010 Journalism Contest, you
- must be a South Carolinian 16 to 19 years old;
- must not have entered a post-secondary school before March 1, 2010; and
- must be a high school junior or senior, or otherwise qualified to begin post-secondary education no later than the 2011–2012 school year.
You do not have to have a disability to enter.
How, where and when to enter
We are no longer accepting entries for the 2010 Journalism Contest. The last day for submissions was January 19, 2010.
Winners will be notified once judging is complete.
The winning essay will be posted on this website. Information about the 2010 Journalism Contest will be announced in the fall of this year.
For more information
If you have any questions or need more information, please call the SCVRD Public Information Office at 803-896-6833.
Judging
The contest is judged by a panel of professional journalists.
2010 Journalism Contest topic
“Expectation + opportunity = full participation!”
Rules
- Your article must address the theme: “Expectation + opportunity = full participation” You should illustrate the point that workers with disabilities can make a tremendous impact in our nation’s workplace. Through employment people with disabilities lead more independent lives, and their employers benefit from their skills and talents.
- Your article should not exceed three pages.
- Use correct grammar and sentence structure.
- Observe journalism’s five W’s: Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- Report about people with disabilities in language that focuses on their dignity, equality, individuality and ability.
- For example, a disabling condition may or may not be handicapping. Use “disability” rather than “handicap.” Choose words that carry nonjudgmental connotations. Avoid using “victim,” “cripple,” “wheelchair-bound,” or “deformed.” Emphasize the uniqueness and worth of the whole individual by writing “a person who has a disability” or “a person who is deaf” rather than “a disabled person.”
- Research disability issues and interview people with disabilities.
- Resources can include your school library, the public library, the Internet and organizations that serve individuals with disabilities. Your local South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department office provides services that enable eligible citizens with disabilities to prepare for, achieve and maintain competitive employment.
- Attribute all quotes, either within the body of the article or in footnotes.
- Type your article on white, 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Double space.
- Prepare a separate cover sheet with your name, age, grade, home address and telephone number. Also include your school name, school address, school telephone number and principal’s name.
- Have your principal, teacher or sponsoring organization’s representative sign the cover sheet and indicate his or her title.
- Have any individual you interview sign the cover sheet.
- Include on the cover sheet this statement with your signature:
- “I hereby confirm that the enclosed article submitted to the 2010 Journalism Contest is my own work. I wrote the article and conducted the research and any interviews (unless otherwise cited) used in the article.”
Last year’s winning essay is available for your reference. Although this is an example of a successful article, you are expected to use your own angle and writing style.