Writing Competition

2023 Writing Competition Winners

2022 Writing Competition Winners and Participants

2021 Writing Competition Winners

2019 Writing Competition Winners

2018 Writing Competition Winners

HSWC 2024

The Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Studies at Wayne State University returns for the Ninth Annual Writing Competition for high school students in the Metro-Detroit area.

Students in ninth through twelfth grades are invited to submit an original work of poetry, prose, or non-fiction that deals with one of the themes listed below. The best submission in each category will be awarded a cash prize of $500, with awards of $100 for honorable mentions in each category. In addition, award winning entrees will be published online.

Competition Guidelines

  1. Eligible students must be currently enrolled in grades 9-12 in the Metro-Detroit area
  2. One entry per student
  3.  There is no minimum or maximum word-count or length for submissions. Suggested length is between 500 and 2000 words
  4. Submissions must be the student's own original work
  5. Submissions must be typed, double-spaced, and proofread thoroughly
  6. All judge's decisions are final
  7. The competition deadline is May 1st, 2024
  8. Please print out and mail a hard copy of your essay to:

                          Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Studies
                          2311 Faculty/Admin. Building
                          656 W. Kirby Detroit, MI 48202

                          **Mailed in essays must be postmarked by May 1st, 2024**

        9. Please download and complete the entry form and attach to your submission

2023 Suggested Topics and Themes

  • "Why is democracy good for Jews?"
  • "The importance of critical thinking"
  • "'What is the best way to combat Anti-semitism?"
  • "What does it mean to be Jewish in the 21st century?"
  • "Does Judaism have a diversity requirement"?
  • "What does 'proud to be a Jew' mean in 2021"?
  • "There is more than one way to be Jewish?"
  • "Lessons from Jewish history that are relevant today"
  • "The Jewish family is an essential feature of Jewish Life"
  • "Jews have survived as a People because . . ."

If you have any questions, contact the Director: howard.lupovitch@wayne.edu