Ernest J. Gaines Student Writing Contest

​“What I Treasure,” is the writing topic for the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence Student Writing Contest 2017. All area students in grades 1 – 12 in public or private schools are invited to write an essay, not to exceed 500 words, and submit it to the East Baton Rouge Parish Schools Web Site at http://www.ebrschools.org or to Lois Smyth, The Baton Rouge Area Foundation, 100 North Street, Suite 900, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.
 
Entries are due no later than Monday, January 9, 2017. Entries should contain all contact information, including name, address, telephone number, and school attended.
 
Winners will be recognized and given a cash award at the 10th Annual Celebration of the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence at the Manship Theatre on Thursday, January 19, 2017.
 
The Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence is underwritten by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to honor Ernest J. Gaines and to encourage and support the work of rising African-American writers. Ernest J. Gaines’ contributions to literature and education are recognized around the world, and he has been nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature. Gaines and his wife, Dianne, live near New Roads, LA. His works include A Gathering of Old Men and A Lesson Before Dying.
 
During this time of reflection and giving thanks, please encourage your child to put his or her thoughts into writing and submit an entry.