Venice High School Enters Essay Contest

Vivian Lewis, Reporter

English teacher Dennis Danziger, known for hosting the P.O.P.S club, has strongly encouraged students this semester to participate in a writing contest organized by the Beverly Hills Literary Society. Students were challenged to write a personal essay on a book that sparked their interest in literature. Five students submitted essays last week. Now contestants are waiting for the winners to be announced on May 15.

The contest was open to Mr Danziger’s honors students, seniors and members of P.O.P.S Because writing is an essential part of learning, Mr Danziger asks new students to participate in this contest each year.  Approximately 10 students are selected to submit their essays.

The winners will be invited to be part of a luncheon and meet well-known authors who will discuss the winners’ essays. The rewards consist of cash prizes of $3,000 for the first place winner, $2,000 for the first runner up and $1,000 for the second runner up.

Venice High students have been competing for approximately seven years, and in the last three years, three students have come in first place. Every year, the monetary cash prizes have been increasing.

“How often do you meet a famous author?” said Mr. Danziger, to his students to encourage them to participate in the contest.