ADA - Chickasaw youth have more time to compete for cash prizes and awards while exploring culture and history in the 2007 Chickasaw Centennial Creative Writing Contest.
The contest deadline was extended to Friday, March 9, 2007, according to Ms. Lona Barrick, administrator for the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities.
“This contest is open to Chickasaw students in grades six through 12 and young Chickasaw adults through age 24. Students in this age range are often very involved with both schoolwork and extracurricular activities. The deadline extension will allow extra time for busy students to submit as many literary works as possible,” Ms. Barrick said.
Promoting the topic, “100 Years of Chickasaw History,” the competition offers young writers an opportunity to submit from one to a total of five entries in the categories of poetry (64 lines or less), fictional short story (1000 to 2000 words) or historical narrative or essay (1000 words or less).
There is no fee to enter the writing contest and proof of Chickasaw citizenship is required. The contest is part of a larger celebration of National Youth Arts Month observed in March 2007.
Entries for the contest must be received on or before Friday, March 9, 2007.
A panel of judges will evaluate original works based on age division, category of work, how well the creative writing relates to the topic, artistic form and literary expression. Winners will be invited to receive their cash prizes and medals at the Chickasaw Nation Youth Arts Month Celebration and Reception on March 30, in Ada, Okla.
Complete entry forms must be submitted along with entries and mailed to the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities, Attn: Department of Chickasaw Humanities and Literary Arts, P.O. Box 1548, Ada, Okla., 74820. Entries may also be hand-delivered by the deadline to the division at 100 E. 13th Street, suites 218 or 224, in Ada.
For more information, call (580) 272-5520 or email Ms. Kelley Isom, coordinator, at kelley.isom@chickasaw.net or Ms. Laura Clark, assistant, at laura.clark@chickasaw.net. Forms and information are also available on line at www.chickasaw.net.
