<p>Does anyone know any well-known and really recognized writing competitions in California or in the nation?</p>
<p>The National Council of Teachers of English (see their website) runs a competition for high school juniors, but it is run through the schools, not something you can do on your own. My son won for our state, and I believe it was a big boost for his college apps. Unfortunately, the teacher who ran the program at our school decided she was too overworked to continue, no one else wanted to pick up the slack, and there was no opportunity for my second child to participate--very frustrating! It seems many competitive programs exist at some schools only because of the particular interest a of a single teacher rather than a school-wide commitment, and it's a shame. My daughter's school just started competing in the regional/state music competitions because of the new music teacher's efforts--it hadn't done so in years and years. Money also matters in public schools--our h.s. just dropped out of the state drama competition because we can't afford to do it. My goodness, I've rambled, haven't I?</p>
<p>thanks for the info! :)</p>