Hey, parents: The Society of Professional Journalists is sponsoring a national essay contest for high school students to write about "Why free news media are important."

The contest is open to all students enrolled in grades 9-12 in public, private and home schools. Students must submit original work and have a sponsoring teacher sign the contest entry form. Essays should be 300-500 words. Entries may be typed or handwritten but must be double-spaced.

The first place award is a $1,000 scholarship. Second place will receive a $500 scholarship, and third place will receive a $300 scholarship. Entries must be postmarked by March 1, 2008.

Larry Van Guilder is the contest chair for the local SPJ chapter. Entries may be mailed to him at:

Larry Van Guilder
820 Black Rock Circle
Knoxville, TN 37934

For more information and official rules, see the SPJ website contest page, or contact Larry by email at lvgknox@mindspring.com.

(Just as an observation, local kids have some pretty great subject matter to draw from for an essay on this topic!)