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Margaret T. Stevenson Talented Young Writer Award

Margaret T. Stevenson Margaret T. Stevenson served as a language arts supervisor (K-12) with Edmonton Public Schools for 10 years. Throughout that time, as well as throughout her entire career as an educator, Margaret worked from the perspective that language is central to all student learning. She was passionate about promoting quality children's literature as well as encouraging young writers to pursue their dreams. In recognition of her work, colleagues, friends and family established this award in 1994 and continue to make donations to the fund. Margaret passed away on May 2, 2018, at the age of 95.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this award is to recognize a Grade 8 student who exhibits a sincere dedication to the literary arts and demonstrates personal growth as a writer.

AWARD: $250 and a book with a commemorative bookplate 

CRITERIA 

An applicant must: 

  • be registered in Edmonton Public Schools and be enrolled in Grade 8
  • exhibit a sincere dedication to the literary arts
  • demonstrate personal growth as a writer and a positive attitude toward the literary arts 

The school principal and English Language Arts teacher will be asked to support the student’s application for this award.

Application process

GET READY TO APPLY 

Before completing the application form, the applicant must: 

  • get a signed letter of reference from someone who is familiar with the student’s interest and ability in the literary arts
  • compile an English writing portfolio that includes a range of genres:
    • a one-page introduction to the portfolio
    • five pieces of their original writing, not all from the current school year, each dated and labelled with their EPSB ID number
    • a description to accompany each piece of writing explaining the context of the piece and their intention when writing the piece
    • a one-page reflection about what they believe the portfolio demonstrates about them as a writer

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM

  1. Double-check the "Get ready to apply" section above to make sure you have all requested items. 
  2. Review the important information you need before you apply.
  3. Be sure all parts of your submission are properly prepared and ready to upload. Once you begin the application, there is no option to save your progress.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, April 28, 2025

Apply for this award from February 7–April 28, 2025

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection team will rank each submission on the applicant's:

  • range of genres
  • quality of work
  • development as a writer
  • personal style
  • self-reflection
  • appreciation for the work of other authors

The recipient will be contacted in June, after the writing workshop.

WRITING WORKSHOP

All applicants will be invited to attend the 2025 Margaret T. Stevenson Writing Workshop to celebrate their interest and talent as writers.

  • Part One will be held via Google Meet on the afternoon of May 27.
  • Part Two will be in person on May 29 at Edmonton Public Schools Archives and Museum.

Field trip consent forms will be sent to applicants’ Language Arts teachers in early May.