Homeschool Contests and the New York Times!

If you follow me on social media than you already know that I enter my kid's into a lot of contests surrounding their interests. Visual Art, writing, singing, and coding contests are usually our area of focus. Although--I would really love it if one of them picked up an interest in film. I'd love for them to create a short film or commercial--but right now no one is biting the bait! 🤣

Anyway, my kids are so busy at home working. learning new skills, and doing all kinds of creative things (some require and some during their free time) and once I realized other people, groups, organizations were interested in their work--I began to have my antennae out for contests for a few of the following reasons:

1. Value-Participating in contests helps kids realize their work is wanted, valued, and appreciated.
2. Confidence-If they win or get some sort of honorable mention it helps kids gain confidence in their particular craft. The begin to believe in themselves and their abilities.
3. Prizes-Who doesn't like prizes?! Contests offer 💰 cash prizes, tech equipment like computers, publication, and so much more. 
4. Resume Building- If they win or place or have their work published it's a great addition for college resumes, scholarship applications, and job interviews.

In the picture above, is my eldest daughter Jayda who I had enter into the New York Times "Coming of Age" Teen contest. Over 5, 500 submissions were entered, and her art piece was selected along with 29 other students for the online and print edition of the newspaper. 

She has won other national awards, but this is by far the most prestigious award won in our family and Jayda in particular felt so honored to have her work picked as a memorial of when the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a world-wide pandemic.

So I encourage all parents--research contests in your child's specific area of interests--the benefits are pretty amazing!

Click here if you would like to purchase a print of her artwork, "2020 Thoughts" (New York Times Winner) or click the Shop Tab and select Merchandise.  All proceeds will go toward her college fund!

​P.S. Feel free to check out my Pinterest Board for Contests