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What Is “Under LOCS and Key”?

This is the storytelling side of the League — where competitors, coaches, and curious minds share what academic competition has meant to them.

It’s not about perfect scores or trophies. It’s about the long nights of study, the close calls, the teamwork, the nerves, and the “I finally got it!” moments. These are the stories that show what learning looks like when it’s lived, not just taught.

“Every question unlocks something — a memory, a friendship, a realization that you’re capable of more than you thought.”

🔹 Who Can Contribute

Anyone involved in academic competition can write for Under LOCS and Key:

  • Students who’ve competed in Bees, Bowls, Olympiads, or other academic challenges

  • Coaches or teachers who’ve guided teams through their first seasons

  • Parents or alumni who want to reflect on how competition shaped them

🔹 What to Write About

There’s no one “right” story. You can write about:

  • A breakthrough moment in study or competition

  • What it feels like to win… or to lose and come back stronger

  • The teammates or mentors who inspired you

  • A trip or tournament that opened your world

  • How competing changed the way you learn

Stories can be short (300–500 words) or long-form essays (up to 1,200 words).

🔹 Featured Series

📜 The First Question — stories from new competitors finding their footing.
🔥 The Comeback Round — moments of resilience and unexpected success.
🌍 The Road to Nationals — travel stories and event diaries.
💡 What I Learned Beyond the Buzzer — reflections on focus, leadership, and growth.

🔹 Submit Your Story

Ready to contribute?
Share your story and be featured on Under LOCS and Key. We publish select submissions on the LOCS website and share highlights on our blog and social media.

📩 Submit here → https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiYMlJ2HHddjPOY6IHF6Ft9Pit5r8rpDqZY2mTwgGbn3EpSQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor  

🗝️ Guidelines:

  • Write in your own voice — honest, curious, and real.

  • Include your name, grade, school, and competition type.

  • Attach one photo if you’d like (optional).

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