Open to all Western New York students in grades 5-12.

Each submission is individually judged by The News’ very own Pulitzer-Prize winning Editorial Cartoonist Adam Zyglis — a finalist himself back in middle school.

“It makes it extra special to judge,” he says. “I can truly put myself in the shoes of the students entering.”

Students may enter one cartoon per category (up to three total), and are eligible to win prizes for each entry. Cartoons can be drawn by hand or digitally, and must be displayed on 8.5x11-inch white, unlined paper. Black ink is strongly recommended, but color entries are also accepted! 

The Buffalo News judges based on creativity, originality, simplicity, effective interpretation of the topic and correct spelling. Additional contest questions can be answered by contacting Lisa Cislo at lcislo@buffnews.com. 

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Winners in each category are awarded the following in the form of a VISA gift card:

First place $100
Second place $60
Third place $50
Honorable mention $25