Deadline: Spring Semester
Friday, March 29, 2024

Black background with "Writing Contest" written in yellow

All current Hampden-Sydney students are eligible to enter the following contests. Students entering more than one contest should submit a separate form for each entry. If you have questions, please contact Nathaniel Perry.

Submit Online!

The Sallie Wright Harrison Poetry Award 

  • This prize was established in 1998 by an alumnus, in memory of Mrs. Harrison, as a testimony to her love of poetry and teaching. The endowed fund will generate an annual cash award for a Hampden-Sydney College student who has proven by his authorship to have a genuine interest and creativity in verse.
  • Poets may enter up to ten poems. The collected poems must be typed and single-spaced, ten pages maximum.
  • A prize of  $500 will be awarded at Spring Convocation. Second- and third-place winners (no cash awards) will also be announced.

The Shelley A. Marshall Short Story Award

  • This prize was endowed in 2002 by the  Shelley A. Marshall Foundation
  • This award honors the late Mrs. Marshall, wife of H-SC alumnus Donn Marshall '86, killed in the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on 9/11.
  • A writer may enter one story, typed and double-spaced, fifteen pages maximum.
  • A prize of  $500 will be awarded at Spring Convocation.  Second- and third-place winners (no cash awards) will also be announced.

Saunders Critical Essay Prize (analysis of one or more works of literature) 

  • This prize is named in honor of Professor Mary Saunders, who taught at the college from 1976 - 2007.
  • Essay writers may enter one essay that analyzes one or more works of literature.  It must be typed and double-spaced, fifteen pages maximum.
  • A prize of  $300 will be awarded at the English Department's dinner in April.  Second- and third-place winners (no cash awards) will also be announced.

Martin Capstone Prize

  • The Martin Capstone Prize was established in 2007 to reward that student who has produced the best essay for the English Department Capstone Class (English 480). The prize is named for Professor Lawrence Martin, who taught at the College from 1969 to 2007.
  • A prize of  $150 will be awarded at the English Department's dinner in April.

Winners Announced

First place winners of the short story and poetry contests will be announced at convocation. Second and third place winners, as well as the winners of the Saunders critical essay contest, and the Martin Capstone Prize, will be announced at the English Department's end-of-the-year dinner.