Opportunities for students in the arts are high on Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture’s (YSAC) list of priorities so once again, it is inviting high school students to be a part of the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and Poetry Out Loud programs.
Poetry Out Loud is open to all high school students, public, private, parochial, independent, charter and home-schooled students in grades 9-12. The longstanding national Poetry Out Loud program, now in its 20th year, involves live participation by high school students who commit to memorizing and reciting poems in front of an audience. Students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. Following a public competition each year, a champion from each county is chosen to attend the state finals. There are opportunities for scholarships, prize money, and a competition that ends with cash prizes for top finishers and a pizza party! Educators who have students participate in Poetry Out Loud receive a $100 check and schools that produce a county winner receive a $500 check at the end of the competition. The deadline for students to register to participate is January 22, 2025. The competition date is February 1, 2025, at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts with two sessions, one for each county. Learn more on the website: https://yubasutterarts.org/program/poetry-out-loud/.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7–12 (ages 13+). As the Scholastic Art & Writing Award program Northern California affiliate for seven counties, YSAC is pleased to see that participation has increased significantly over the years. Last year, we received more entries in each category from more schools than ever before in our history with the program. The top art and writing winners at the regional level will be moved on to the national stage, where nearly 3,000 students earn National Medals. The Art submission deadline is December 14, and the Writing submission deadline is December 22. The Regional Art & Writing Awards Ceremony for Yuba, Sutter, Colusa, Nevada, Placer, Yolo and Sierra counties will be held on January 25, 2025 at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts, 754 Plumas Street in Yuba City. Learn more on the website: https://yubasutterarts.org/program/scholastic-art-writing/. The winners in all categories will then go on for regional and national recognition. To enter their work for award consideration, interested students must create an online account at www.artandwriting.org. Follow the simple instructions to submit artwork or written work in various categories. YSAC will manage the local judging process. The program helps celebrate the accomplishments of creative students, extending opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships to teenagers who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in writing and art.
Do not hesitate to contact YSAC for assistance at any level: shawntay@yubasutterarts.org or call 530-742-ARTS. For more information about these programs and other upcoming YSAC 2024 events, go to yubasutterarts.org.