INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 125

 

POLICY CODE:  JJG

 

 

TO:                  Superintendents and High School Principals

 

FROM:            Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner

 

DATE:             May 17, 2004

 

RE:                   Journey into Writing

 

 

            I am pleased to let you know that this morning at 11:30 a.m., three of Maine’s most celebrated writers, Stephen King, Tabitha King and Richard Russo, will join Governor John Baldacci at a press conference to announce a writing contest for Maine’s high school juniors.  The contest is being led by Maine’s Community College System, in partnership with the Maine Sunday Telegram, MaineToday.com, U.S. Cellular, and Central Maine Power Company.

 

            Governor Baldacci has noted that “for generations, Maine has been home to many gifted writers.  Their words have not only left a permanent mark on our thoughts and imaginations, they have served to inspire future writers.  The goal of the Journey into Writing competition is to inspire and nurture the writing talents of Maine’s young adults.” The contest begins this fall with entries being accepted from October 1 through December 1, 2004.  Stephen King, Tabitha King and Richard Russo will serve as the contest judges who will select three winners from a pool of semi-finalists next spring.  Each winner will receive the Governor’s designation as “Young Writer of the Year” and a cash award of $2,500.

 

            More information may be obtained by going online to www.mccs.me.edu and clicking on Journey into Writing.   In addition, a preliminary mailing to promote the program will be sent to all schools in Maine in early June in an effort to engage interest in the program for the fall. 

 

            I would encourage you to share information about this competition broadly and in particular with your sophomore and junior English teachers.  Thank you for your assistance in promoting this very exciting initiative.