Happy National Handwriting Day 2023!
Here are the winners of this year's contest. Please see the winners and entries below. There are also the judge, Marie Hornback's, comments on what she specifically looks for in this contest. Please see the things she feels make handwriting a joy to behold. She and I agreed on this years winners and we look forward to any feedback and comments.
We are thrilled that this is the third year of keeping handwriting alive. We hope everyone continues to practice their penmanship throughout the year. We hope you all continue to share this practice with others and keep on writing.
Certificates of appreciation and awards will be mailed later this month. Congratulations to everyone who participated. You have help keep longhand top of mind and you are key to spreading the joys of handwriting.
See you in 2024.
Grade School:
1st Place - Diksha Mehta
Runner Up - Keiana Fernandes
High School/Adult:
1st Place - Garima Srivastava
Runner Up - Sherene Fernandes
Honorable Mention - Juliana Quiroz
Judge (Marie Hornback) comments on the 2023 I Love Cursive Contest entries:
When looking at all the entries, each one has its own beauty. The innate qualities of the human hand are apparent. A judges eye perceives the immediate ease of being able to read the written script without having to re-look at a word to be sure of what it says. A judge looks for the natural flow of the script that would be used on a daily basis as one uses their cursive, for notes, letters, lists, etc. Little things like connecting strokes, especially from the waist or midline on the letters b, o, v and w, can affect the legibility of the writing. Sometimes the letter v can look like the letter u if the connecting stroke has been under curved too deeply and touches the baseline before connecting to the adjoining letter. I look for all the letters to be consistent in size, spacing and slope. The shape of the letters is important too, and a judge realizes that there are variations in letter forms. The important consideration is that legibility is maintained. A judge also looks for the organic natural flow of a script and its practical rhythm for everyday handwriting. If a script leans too much toward a flourished version, then it becomes more ornamental than organic and natural. A flourished hand adds strokes that need an additional look to determine certain letters. Each of the entries have their charm and each one portrays the personality and delightful human element of putting pen to paper. Thanks to all the people who participated. We are thankful for your love of cursive handwriting and your efforts in keeping it alive. Write on!!!
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Celebrate the joys of handwriting by entering our I Love Cursive Contest. This penmanship event will be judged by qualified handwriting expert and Director of the American Cursive Instructor Certification Program, Marie Hornback. Our goal is to get more people writing and learning cursive, to slow down and enjoy a mindful and relaxing activity.
Your handwriting is unique to you and it is something you should love. Being proud of this beautiful art form is easy, it just takes practice. It makes you smarter and you can express yourself faster than printing. The physical act of long hand enables you to really think about what you are wanting to say and express yourself clearer.
This 4th annual contest is open to all ages. There are three categories you can submit in:
There will be one winner in each category, a runner up and honorable mention. They will be announced on January 23rd 2023, National Handwriting Day!
Each winner will receive a certificate and handwriting goodies to continue their journey. This contest open to participants in the United States and across the globe. Entries must be in English.
Start practicing and good luck!
Here is how to enter:
1. Write a half page to full page in cursive. We encourage you to tell us what you will do to help keep cursive alive and why it is important. You may also write your favorite poem, a story or tell us why you love handwriting.
2. Include your name, address, age and what category you are submitting to. Only one category per person.
3. Snail mail it to us:
The Paper Seahorse I Love Cursive Contest
211 South Howard Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33606
or you may scan and email your entry to hello@paperseahorse.com.
4. All entries must be received by January 13th end of day. No exceptions.
5. Winner will be announced on National Handwriting Day January 23, 2023.
Learn more about handwriting teacher and expert Marie Hornback here.
See the results of this year's winners: 2021 I Love Cursive Contest here.