Eligibility — Open free to all public and private high school juniors and seniors in California
Contest Categories —
Writing: Minimum 500 words on any outdoor subject: essay, news article, personal experience, fiction, non-fiction, journalism, documentary, blog, research study, etc.
Poetry: Any style on any outdoor subject, no minimum word count.
Photography: Portfolio of three photos of any combination of outdoor subjects (fauna, flora, scenic, people), color or b/w; digital adjustments and processing are allowed.
Deadline — Submit by April 1, 2023 to [email protected]
Winners — First- second- and third-place winners will receive cash awards and certificates plus recognition by Outdoor Writers Association of California
Entry Format – Submit your name, address, email, telephone, grade level, high school name and location, and title of your submission.
Conditional Release – Provide a statement that you and, if you’re under 18 years, your parents or guardian agree that OWAC may use your name and entry for publicity purposes. Copying and pasting this sentence will suffice: “I give OWAC permission to use name and entry for publicity purposes.”
Judging – OWAC professional journalists will judge contest entries.
Scholarship Sponsor — Outdoor Writers Association of California established the Pat Vachini Outdoor Writing and Photography Scholarships in memory of the wife of Don Vachini, a long-time OWAC member and one of California’s foremost outdoor writers and photographers.
What is OWAC? — Founded in 1986, OWAC is the only organization of outdoor media professionals in California. Members include newspaper and magazine staffers, freelance writers, book authors, bloggers, internet content contributors, photographers, broadcasters, editors, and media professionals covering outdoor life.
OWAC’s Mission — OWAC is a non-profit association of media professionals who communicate outdoor recreational opportunities and related issues in California, the surrounding western region, and beyond. OWAC helps outdoor media professionals inform outdoor enthusiasts, expand awareness of conservation issues, and create a new generation of outdoor-media professionals. OWAC bestows awards to Excellence in Craft winners, Californian of the Year honorees, and for high school students to explore outdoor writing, photography and media communications.
For further information go to www.owac.org or call 949-466-3073
