This annual scholarship competition is dedicated to the writers, the dreamers, the ice cream eaters. Alright, maybe not all ice cream eaters, but definitely the ones who love to write.

Eat North is very proud to announce the second annual Rising Awards--a scholarship competition for emerging Canadian writers. After a successful inaugural launch in 2018, the initiative is back to support, encourage and help mentor the next generation of emerging culinary storytellers.

The contest is open to grade 12 high school students, full-time, post-secondary students of all ages currently pursuing a degree or a minor in a writing-related field, as well as recent graduates across Canada.

Contestants can choose to write content from three categories: Culinary fictional short story, presented by Google, and foodservice and agricultural production, both presented by returning scholarship competition parter, Joey Restaurants. Contestants can submit more than one entry, in one or all categories if desired.

"Our company has always seen the value in supporting the growth of people new to the restaurant industry," says Joey Restaurants vice president of marketing, Britt Innes. “We are happy to support Eat North for a second year as they encourage up-and-coming writers in the Canadian media industry.”

Students who meet the criteria are encouraged to submit their written pieces into any of the three categories by June 3, 2019 at 5 p.m. via the online submission form on EatNorth.com.

Submissions will be reviewed by an expert judging panel made up of restaurant industry, agricultural experts and some top Canadian editors and writers, including: Heather Persson, editor-in-chief of Saskatoon Star Phoenix, Matthew Stepanic, Glass Buffalo editor, Mairlyn Smith, cookbook author and Cityline culinary expert and Anita Stewart, founder of Food Day Canada.

“Now, more than ever, it is important to reward quality storytelling, especially when it comes to writers trying to break into the current media market,” explains Eat North co-founder and competition organizer Dan Clapson. “Captivating writing comes in many shapes and forms and we’re looking forward to celebrating just that with the second annual Rising Awards.”

The winners in each category will be awarded a $1,000 cash scholarship, a cookbook collection courtesy of Appetite by Random House, select Google hardware and a $200 Joey Restaurants gift card.

The runner-up in each category will be awarded a $500 cash scholarship, three cookbooks, courtesy of Appetite by Random House, and a $100 Joey Restaurants gift card.

Winners will be announced June 19, 2019 and winning submissions will be published on EatNorth.com beginning Monday, June 24, 2019 as a celebratory lead-up to Canada Day.