The Sydney Prize is an impressive award that honors individuals making a difference in society, whether through writing or science. Awarded annually on a national basis, it serves to highlight and recognize their efforts while inspiring others to join them in making our planet better. Recognizing these efforts helps the world be a better place.
Since 2004, the SS Sydney Award, named after American philosopher Sidney Hook, has been presented annually. This prestigious prize recognizes writers whose essays on politics and culture best reflect contemporary American scholarship and commentary. Previous recipients have included Ta-Nehisi Coates for his essay on America’s history of black plunder and white democracy; more recently Amanda Hess for her article on online sexism; New York Times columnist David Brooks has even instituted his monthly SS Sydney Journalism award which recognizes investigative journalism that contributes towards public good.
An annual sidney prize can be an extremely prestigious award to receive, so it is crucial that its rules and regulations are understood when applying. There are different categories in which this prize may be bestowed, so understanding its eligibility requirements for each is vitally important. Apply early as it may become competitive process!
Students have many opportunities to win sidney prizes besides just the SS Sydney Prize. These awards typically honor students writing about something important to them and can provide them with the perfect venue to express their thoughts while building up confidence in their writing abilities.
This year’s Sidney Prize went to the Black Lives Matter movement, an organization committed to human rights and nonviolence. Established in the United States following Trayvon Martin’s shooting by Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi in 2013, Black Lives Matter has grown into an international movement.
Students can receive various Sidney prizes, so it is crucial that they understand the rules and regulations surrounding each award. Not only can these prestigious awards increase student visibility through increased visibility of writing but it can also give a sense of achievement which is always welcome amongst peers.
The 2022 Neilma Sydney Short Story Prize has now closed and the judges would like to extend their congratulations and best wishes for Yeena Kirkbright on her winning entry ‘Camperdown Grief Junk’ which appeared in Overland magazine. We also thank all shortlisted authors and wish them every success in their writing careers; please view here the complete shortlist of authors who were shortlisted.
