Calling young writers: Submit your stories
From Staff Reports

The True Citizen staff wants our youngest writers to show us what they've got.

All second-, third- and fourth-graders are invited to participate in a creative writing contest ... and our favorite stories will be printed in the Christmas edition of the paper.

Here's how it works. Students should pick from one of our "story starters" and let the adventure begin from there. Stories should be related to the Christmas or Hanukah season, but, otherwise, subject matter is completely unlimited.

All essays will be scored by a panel of judges based on readability, creativity and the ability to capture the spirit of the season. The writers' ages will also be taken into consideration.

Essays must be received at The True Citizen office, 601 East Sixth St., Waynesboro, by 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 14. They may also be emailed to lizbillips@yahoo.com or faxed to 706-554-2437.

Stories should be typed or clearly printed, no more than 700 words and should include the author's full name, grade, school, address and telephone number.

The contest is open to all second-, third- or fourth-graders who go to school or live in Burke County.

STORY STARTERS:

1) I tried to be still, but the branch was breaking under my feet. 2) I heard the bell ringing and knew it was time to

leave. 3) It was so cold, my eyebrows were frozen. 4) My only hope was to follow the tracks through the

snow. 5) There was nothing under the Christmas tree. 6) I looked in the mirror, but couldn't believe my own

eyes. 7) The humans had no idea we were watching them.