News Release

IWV Campus

2004 William Saroyan Society Writing Contest Kicks Off

Ridgecrest, CA – January 22, 2004

The William Saroyan Society is now accepting entries for its annual William Saroyan Story Writing Contest under the theme, "The Most Interesting Person I Never Met." Entries must be received by Monday, March 8, 2004 by 9 pm. Entries from school and college classes as well as individual entries are encouraged and may be mailed directly to: John Kallenberg, Fresno County Library, Saroyan Writing Contest, 2420 Mariposa Street, Fresno, California, 93721.

"Each year, we look forward to reading the creative stories from the participants," said Mike Karibian, Chairman of the Saroyan Society. "It is our hope that the stories written by these students will help create future professional writers thereby perpetuating the legacy of William Saroyan."

Awards are made in six categories: grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-9, 10-12, and college. In each category, the first place winner receives $100, second place $75, and third place $50. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on April 8, 2004.

Judges will be looking for stories that do not exceed two pages, and in no case should the story exceed three pages. Entries may be either handwritten or typed. Each entry must be accompanied with an entry form, which can be found on the announcement available at local public libraries. Entry forms are also available online at www.williamsaroyansociety.org or www.fresnolibrary.org/events/nw0401.html. Teachers and instructors who utilize this contest for class projects must screen the essays and submit only the superior papers (top 10%) and include the grade awarded and the teacher's signature. Students with special needs are encouraged to participate.

The William Saroyan Society with the support of the Fresno County Public Library, Fresno County Office of Education, and the Fresno Free College Foundation are sponsoring the 2004 William Saroyan Story Writing Contest. For more information, contact the Ridgecrest area representative, Dr. Dennis VanderWerff, Director of Learning Resources, Cerro Coso Community College, at 384-6325.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joann Handeland, Director of Facilities Development and Services (760) 384-6230