Travel Writing Scholarship Encourages Teen Literacy

Nov. 13, 2012 - PRLog -- Winners of 2012 Merit Scholarships Selected by Society of American Travel Writers

(New York, Nov. 13, 2012)  We are proud to announce the bloggers who earned 2012 Teen Travel Writing Scholarships from Family Travel Forum (FTF) and the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) for college or further travels. Competition was fierce, with more than 6,300 students ages 13-18 applying for this merit scholarship.

Our sixth annual travel writing scholarship accepted submissions April 16 through August 1, 2012. Blog topics ranged from adventure trips and the power of nature, to journeys of self-discovery; and from historical and cultural exchanges to family reunions and heritage explorations. The many tales of volunteer trips emphasized that human connections made are as important to teens as understanding new cultures.

Three preliminary rounds of judging done by FTF Interns, SATW Senior members and FTF Editors enabled FTF to manage the huge volume of eloquent travel tales, photographs and videos. The Quarter-Finalist rank was attained by 23% of the total entries; Semi-Finalist travel blogs numbered less than 1%.

From these, the top Finalist essays, .036% of those submitted, were passed  to a panel of professional travel journalists, editors and photographers from SATW who judged them on originality, eloquence and a sense of place. FTF is honored by the continued support and participation of SATW because of their commitment to responsible journalism, conservation and the preservation of travel resources worldwide.

We congratulate the Winners and thank all the applicants for submitting such great work.  

1st Place $1,000 plus a refreshing family of 4 vacation to Universal Orlando Resort:
- "Vietnam And My Baby Sister" by Kaitlyn Kraybill-Voth, Denver, Colorado

2nd Place $500:    
- "Bellwin's Look On The Philippines" by Nathan Eldridge, Rockwall, Texas

3rd Place $200:
 - "Slices Of Life: Charleston, South Carolina" by Anna Squires, Roswell, Georgia

For the third year, prizes for Best Photograph and Best Video are given by SATW in recognition of the multimedia skills required of today's professional travel journalists.

2012 Teen Travel Scholarship Best Photography (SATW Honorarium of a $150 Photography Equipment Merchandise Gift Certificate)
- "Life As A Kyrgyz Nomad" by Christina Memmott, Rockwell, Maryland

2012 Teen Travel Scholarship Best Video (SATW Honorarium of a $150 Photography Equipment Merchandise Gift Certificate)
- "Traveling Far To Reach A Close Destination" by Vadessa Camack, Aurora, Colorado

To read the stories, and for a complete list of winners, including the 25 whose work won Honorable Mention, please visit http://www.myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing.

About FTF
Family Travel Forum (FTF) has helped globetrotters who "Have Kids, Still Travel!" with print and online guides since 1996. FTF sites have won many awards for their savvy tips and destination reviews; the Top 10 Getaway survey of resort-based infant programs; a robust Flee Market™; travel forums and the www.MyFamilyTravels.com online community. FTF, author of “The Complete Idiots Guide to the Best Family Destinations” (Penguin, 2011), is also co-host of the annual Family Travel Conference for professional travel media.

About SATW
The Society of American Travel Writers was established in 1955, and its membership includes journalists, photographers, editors, filmmakers, bloggers, and communications professionals who specialize in the travel industry. SATW promotes responsible journalism, provides professional support and development for its members, and encourages the conservation and preservation of travel resources worldwide.

About Universal Orlando Resort
There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation, but there is only one place where vacation becomes adventure:  Universal Orlando Resort. It is a unique destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It's the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you become part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, be transformed into a banana-loving minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D.  Universal Orlando Resort is an NBCUniversal company.