The South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is proud to announce its 7th Annual Teen Expressions contest. Teen Expressions is an exciting way for teens to utilize their talents and share their opinions throughout the state at the same time. Designed solely for teens, this contest encourages young people to creatively express how teen pregnancy and other issues affect their lives.
Last year’s theme My Life, My Legacy, My Voice gave young people ages 14-19 the opportunity to express their thoughts on the social impact of teen pregnancy, their own inspirations, and ways they can inspire others through poetry, personal essays, short fiction, song lyrics and artwork. Thirty of the top entries were selected from a pool of nearly 200 entries and published in Teen Expressions 2008. Three exemplary winners—Brandon Howard of Barnwelll, Shanace Isaac of Abbeville, and Asia Pegues of Cheraw—were honored during an awards ceremony in Greenville, SC.
This year’s theme, Teens are Talking. R U Listening? will ask young people ages 14-19 how they feel about the issue of teen pregnancy and how we can help them make better decisions for their futures. Contest topics include: 1) What are your friends saying about teen pregnancy in your school or community? 2) Write a letter to a caring adult revealing what you wish they would tell you about love, sex and relationships. 3) In words or pictures, describe the promises that you’ve made to yourself about your future. How do you plan to keep those promises?
Categories for entry include poetry, personal essay or short fiction, ink or graphic (black and white only) art.
Please publicize this chance for your students to be heard by encouraging young people to visit our website at www.teenpregnancysc.org to submit an entry form. The top three entries will receive their choice of a Nintendo DS, an iPod Shuffle, or a Digital Camera, and a free trip to Charleston for a photo shoot with celebrity judge Glenda Hatchett.
If you have questions or need additional materials please contact Zenica Chatman.., Public Awareness Associate, at (803) 771-7700 or by email at zchatman@teenpregnancysc.org.