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March 17, 2003

Writing contest offers opportunity for youth

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's School of Agriculture is offering school-age children an opportunity to win cash prizes and have their work published in "Indiana Agri-News" by participating in a writing contest held in connection with Spring Fest.

"It's a chance to showcase the diversity of agriculture and show young people who are interested in journalism, writing and the language arts that there are opportunities for them in agriculture as well," said Dana Neary, events coordinator for Purdue Extension.

Spring Fest takes place on Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This is the first year for the writing contest, which is open to elementary, middle and high school students. The contest allows students to develop their writing skills while thinking about the impact agriculture has on their lives.

Writing topics for each student age group are as follows:

  • First- and second-graders: Write about your favorite farm animal and draw a picture to go with it.

  • Third- through fifth-graders: Write a story about the day in the life of a farmer.

  • Sixth- through eighth-graders: Write about why agriculture is important in your life.

  • Ninth- through 12th-graders: Write a newspaper article about farm life in Indiana.

    Essays for first- to eighth-graders should be no more than 200 words, and there is no length requirement for the newspaper article. More information about the writing contest can be found on the Spring Fest Web site or by calling (888) EXT-INFO.

    Entries may be mailed or submitted electronically. Please include a cover sheet containing the student's name, grade, teacher's name, school name and school's phone number. Send entries to: Writing Contest, Agriculture Administration Room 222, 615 W. State St., West Lafayette IN 47906 or e-mail them to sfest@purdue.edu. All entries must be received by March 26.

    A panel of judges will evaluate the entries. Cash prizes of $25, $15 and $10 will be awarded at Spring Fest to the top three entries from each age group. The first-place entries from all four groups will be published in "Indiana Agri-News." Participants do not have to be present to win, and winners will be notified in advance.

    All entries will be on display in the second floor of the Agricultural Administration Building during Spring Fest.

    Writer: Katie Brown, (765) 496-6971, brown41@purdue.edu

    Source: Dana Neary, (765) 494-9113, nearyd@purdue.edu

    Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu; https://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/AgComm/public/agnews/


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