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Norm Strung Student Writing Contest

Humanities
Visual Arts

Outdoor Writers Association of America

MultipleAnnual competition

The Norm Strung Student Writing Contest, sponsored by the Outdoor Writers Association of America, is an annual competition that invites high school juniors and seniors to submit original writing that captures the beauty and adventure of the outdoors. Entries must be entirely student-created work from the previous calendar year, with cash prizes awarded to first-, second-, and third-place winners in each age category. For young writers passionate about nature and the natural world, this contest offers a meaningful opportunity to gain recognition and compete alongside college-level writers on a national stage.

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Skills You'll Build

Creative Writing

Crafting original stories, poems, or scripts that express ideas and imagination.

Photography

Capturing and composing images that tell a story or convey a mood.

Journalism

Researching, interviewing, and writing accurate stories about real events.

Research Methods

Gathering and evaluating information systematically to answer a question.

Critical Thinking

Evaluating information carefully before drawing a conclusion or making a decision.

Related Careers

Journalist

Students develop writing and storytelling skills central to outdoor journalism and nature reporting.

Photographer

Photo contest category directly builds portfolio and recognition in outdoor and nature photography.

Author / Novelist

Writing contest develops creative composition and narrative skills in environmental and outdoor narratives.

Environmental Scientist

Students research and communicate about outdoor and conservation topics through writing and imagery.

Quick Facts

Grade Levels
High school seniors and juniors, college students
Competitiveness
Selective
Best For
Aspiring outdoor writers

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