Teenagers throughout Pierce County may show their creative talents in Pierce County Library System’s Teen Writing and Art Contest, called “Our Own Expressions,” which runs through March 4.

In addition to drawing and writing categories, for the first time students may submit photographs. In all, students may compete within grade levels in four categories: poetry, short story, drawing and photography.

“The contest gives teens a showcase to express themselves, and they can get published and earn cash prizes,” said Neel Parikh, executive director of the library system.

The system will publish all of the winning entries in books and distribute them throughout Pierce County libraries and to the winning students’ schools. Pierce County Library Foundation will award cash prizes of $50 to $100 in three age groups – seventh and eighth grade, ninth and 10th grade, and 11th and 12th grade – and in all four categories.

Teenagers in seventh through 12th grades who live in or attend school in Pierce County may enter the contest, individually or as a team. Participation in the contest is free.

Teens may get entry forms and enter the contest at any Pierce County library or online at www.piercecountylibrary.org, search site: OOX. Teenagers may also submit entries by mail to Pierce County Library System, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, 98446-2215. Students may use computers at Pierce County Libraries or their school library to download the entry forms and submit their entries.

Judges will review writing entries on the basis of originality, style, general presentation, grammar, spelling and evidence of skill appropriate for the writer’s age. They will review art entries on the basis of composition, evidence of skill commensurate with the age of the artist, creativity and effective use of media.

Contest winners will feature their work in an awards ceremony at Pacific Lutheran University on May 26.

In 2010, teenagers submitted more than 1,000 entries in the Our Own Expressions contest.