Utah State is inviting all college students to participate in the 2012 Leonard J. Arrington Writing Awards this Thursday, allowing students to win up to $1,000.
Those who want to participate are required to attend a free lecture featuring Terryl Givens, a professor of literature and religion at the University of Richmond, presenting “The Prophecy of Enoch as Restoration Blueprint” on Sep.20. The lecture will be held at the Logan LDS Tabernacle at 7 p.m.
Every year, different scholars come to lecture in the Leonard J. Arrington Mormon History Lecture Series. This writing competition is a great opportunity for students to learn more as well as receive cash prizes for their writing.
Patrick Williams, a USU spokesman said there is a reasonable incentive to enter the competition, aside from gaining a valuable writing experience.
“If I were a student I’d want to enter,” Williams said. “The $1000 prize is not bad for a first place award.”
According to the Utah State news release, students should have a “minimum of two outside research sources, including books, articles, newspapers and primary documents must be included in a bibliography.” The essay topic should relate to the lecture topic, but can expand or create new connections. The writing style can be expository, persuasive or reflective, but not fiction.
Although some may be curious about their chances at winning a prize, Brad Cole, an organizer of the event said there might be a greater chance than students realize.
“A lot of students start out with good intentions, but we usually only get about 20 entries each year, and this is our 18th annual competition,” Cole said.
Although extra money might be the incentive for most, this competition will offer a valuable experience to learn about writing as well as religious history. The Submission deadline is 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7, 2012
