Please excuse any cross postings

FYI,

I’m passing along this email I received about a teen writing contest opportunity in case you’d like to share it with the teens you work with in your libraries. I have verified that Sarah’s initiative is legitimate and authentic. She worked with her local teen librarian in developing this passion project. The deadline to apply is September 8, 2026.

Dear Youth Services Library Staff,

My name is Sarah, a high school student from Basking Ridge, NJ and Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Locke & Key Journal, a student-run publication focused on the humanities and social sciences.

On August 8^th we launched the 2026 Locke & Key Humanities & Social Sciences Writing Competition, an international essay competition open to high school students. The competition is free to enter, with $100, $50, and $25 prizes for first, second, and third place, respectively, as well as publication in Locke & Key and featured recognition. Our judges include educators and members of the writing community from organizations including Bernards Township Library and Finch Writing Club.

I've attached a flyer with the competition details that you are welcome to distribute or post. Thank you for helping us connect students with opportunities to explore their interests and share their writing!

Best,
Sarah Yu
Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Locke & Key Journal
lockeandkeyjournal.com

Forwarded by:

Sharon Rawlins (she/her)

Youth Services Specialist

Library Development
New Jersey State Library

P.  609-278-2640 x116 

E. sraw...@njstatelib.org

W. www.njstatelib.org

185 West State Street

P.O. Box 520, Trenton, NJ  08625

NJ250: Living Documents, Evolving Rights - New Jersey Through Three Constitutions
https://www.njstatelib.org/nj250