Press-Telegram Scary Stories Contest Returns

The Long Beach Press-Telegram's Annual Scary Stories Contest has returned! It is time for Long Beach students to once again send their scariest drawings and most haunting stories.

Similar to last year, the contest consists of three age divisions: elementary school (K-5), middle school (6-8), and high school. Students can submit their story, a drawing, or both. Entries will be judged separately.

The Press-Telegram states that the winning entries will appear in the Sunday, Oct. 26, edition of the Press-Telegram and online. Winners of their stories and artwork in each age group will additionally receive a $20 gift card to In-N-Out.

The rules for the contest:

• The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13.
• For story submissions, please fill out the online form at shorturl.at/gM4d9. No mail or in-person submissions will be accepted.
• All artwork entries must be emailed, with the subject line "Scary Stories," to ptnews@presstelegram.com. Drawings should be submitted in JPEG format and be no larger than 5 megabytes in size. Entries must include the student's name, age, and the name of their school.
• Stories must be no longer than 650 words.
• Artwork must be original (no tracings).
• Do not use artificial intelligence programs to craft stories or create images. Entries must be the student's own work.
• Entries will be judged based on imagination, creativity, theme, and quality.

Visit presstelegram.com for more information. Questions? Contact City Editor Chris Haire at chaire@scng.com.