Seacoast Republican Women would like to present your students with an opportnity to participate in our fifth annual Essay Contest open to public, private or home-schooled high school studets in grades 9-12 in the seacoast area.

The purpose of the contest is to encourage our youth to look at our Country's issues and assist them in becomig our leaders of the future. This year's theme is...'HOW CAN SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE PEACE AND CONFLICT..HOW AND WHY'

The judging criteria is based on format, grammar, originality of thought, clarity of thought, style and expression. A panel of three SRW members will judge the entries.

There is a cash award of $250. for 1st place, $150. for second place and $100. for Honorable Mention.

Entries should be a maximum of two pages, double-spaced with a cover letter that includes the date, author's name, address, phone number and if they are home schooled. Entries are to be received by April 15, 2012 and sent to SRW, PO Box 495, Greenland, NH 03840.

We would appreciate your passing this announcement to all home schooled students.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cynthia Blodgett at cblodgett63@comcast.net or phone 603-929-1519.