Enter the South Carolina High School Writing Contest

A hand holding a pen writes in an open notebook.

We invite high school juniors and seniors to answer the question, “How should we improve the state of South Carolina?” Use any genre and enter the 10th annual writing contest from the University of South Carolina Honors College by September 26. Honors College students will read all entries and choose 20 finalists for judge Ron Rash to review. First, second, and third place winners will receive cash prizes. The grand prize winner will have their work published online. 

Upcoming Event

Author photo of Patricia Brandon and the cover of Rise of the Pale Moon.

Author Patricia Brandon and "Rise of the Pale Moon"

May 7, 2026, 5:30 PM

Join us at the next installment of the Speaker at the Center with Author Patricia Brandon where she will discuss her historical fiction novel, "Rise of the Pale Moon." Set against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War era in coastal South Carolina, Rise of the Pale Moon weaves a compelling tale of three young women from distinct backgrounds: an indentured servant from London, a chattel slave raised on the Montague Hall plantation, and a Catawba Indian captured by the Cherokee and traded into slavery.