Each year, over 100,000 fifth and eighth grade students from public and private schools participate in a program designed to encourage writing. The Office of Lieutenant Governor administers the program and the Lieutenant Governor's Steering Committee decides the essay topics.  Each District Winner of the Writing Awards Program attends a recognition ceremony held at Columbia College.

Opening Instruction Letter

5th Grade Topics

 8th Grade Topics

 Judging Criteria

 5th Grade Form A

 5th Grade Form B

 5th Grade Form C

 Permission Form D

 8th Grade Form A

 8th Grade Form B

 8th Grade Form C

 Permission Form D

If you have any questions regarding the Writing Awards Program, please contact Ellen Nobles, Writing Awards Coordinator, at (803) 734-2080.