A senior in Jennifer Tesler’s second block Multicultral Literature class reviews the Young Georgia Authors Google Clasroom page for contest updates. Instructional Coach Ginger Lehmann has been a contest evaluator at CCHS for several years. “What we look for is something (where) the person has really expressed themselves and the piece has a strong voice and presence,” Lehmann said. “I (need to) really get a sense of the student who wrote it when I read the piece, as well as a really interesting writing style, and a good command of language just in the types of words and images that they use in the writing.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly
The 2023 Young Georgia Authors writing competition opened for entries on Jan. 30 and submissions are due Feb. 12.
The first round of the annual Young Georgia Authors competition takes place at Clarke Central High School during the week of Feb. 12, where submissions will be evaluated to advance to the Clarke Couty School District level.
The YGA competition is a multi-segmented, state-wide writing competition with the purpose of developing enthusiasm for writing in students, and has taken place annually for over two decades.
Submissions include short stories, poetry, a variety of personal and academic essays and opportunities for original student writing. English department co-chair David Ragsdale and Instructional Coach Ginger Lehmann serve on the judging panel.
“What we look for is something (where) the person has really expressed themselves and the piece has a strong voice and presence,” Lehmann said. “I (need to) really get a sense of the student who wrote it when I read the piece, as well as a really interesting writing style, and a good command of language just in the types of words and images that they use in the writing.”
Lehmann feels that the freedom of choice that the competition offers is essential to the YGA experience.
“I always think it’s wonderful when we can provide (multiple) opportunities for students to express themselves,” Lehmann said. “Students can submit short stories, poetry, essays, literary criticism, journalism, research (or) personal narratives. It really allows students to pick whatever type of written expression is meaningful to them. You’re always going to get more authentic submissions when they’re able to choose the topic that they’re writing about.”
Instructional Coach Ginger Lehmann completes paperwork in Room 242 on Feb. 7. Lehmann has been one of the judging panelists for the Young Georgia Authors writing competition for the last few years. “I think students should be recognized for (the) pieces they create, just on an individual level outside of classroom assessments,” Lehmann said. “I think anytime a student is taking the initiative to create a piece of art, in this case, specifically writing on their own, then that should be recognized. If it’s excellent, and (demonstrates) really strong writing ability, then it’s worth recognizing in a competitive format.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly
CCHS sophomore Onyx Mills has come to appreciate the role that choice plays in the competition compared to other writing assignments.
“In elementary school, I remember we’d be required to (write) and I absolutely hated it,” Mills said. “But (this is) optional, and (it’s) like, if you want to do it, you can. (Schools) providing the opportunities (feels) a lot better for the people who actually enjoy stuff like that.”
After submitting a poem titled “The Heart,” Mills reflected on their experiences with the competition.
“This isn’t my first year submitting to Young Georgia Authors,” Mills said. “I’ve been (submitting) since middle school. (Although) I’ve never (been named a winner), it’s just something I’ve kind of done just for a while now. Feeling good about it this year, though.”
