The winners of The Sydney Morning Herald Youngest Writer: WriteOn competition for 2012 were announced at a presentation ceremony held at Fairfax head office, last Thursday. The names of the gold, silver and bronze award recipients have also been published on the competition’s website. You can also download the gold award winning entries.

In total, 350 entries were received this year. Experienced teachers judged the competition, selecting 12 gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze award recipients from schools across the state.

“Congratulations to all the students who entered the competition,” President of the Board of Studies NSW, Tom Alegounarias, said.

“The judges were amazed by the standard of writing and I’m sure anyone who reads this year’s winning entries will also be impressed by the quality of students’ work – the writing is original, sophisticated and moving,” Mr Alegounarias said.

Gold award recipients were presented with their prizes at last week’s ceremony. Certificates will be emailed to schools for distribution to students who achieved a silver and bronze award. Schools can also download a participation certificate for all students who entered the competition.

An anthology of students’ entries will be published early next year and The Best of WriteOn 2011 is still available through Shop Online.

“I would like to say thank you to the teachers and parents who have encouraged and inspired the students and also to The Sydney Morning Herald – naming rights sponsor of the competition – for supporting this competition so whole-heartedly,” Mr Alegounarias said.