DEADLINES
Following is a list of application deadlines for grants, fellowships, and honors available to individuals. Asterisks (
- ) denote new entries.
GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
- February 15. Space Camp.
NASA and the National Science Teachers Association offer the NASA Educational Workshops for Elementary Teachers and the NASA Educational Workshops for Math, Science, and Technology Teachers. The first is geared for teachers of grades K-6, the second, teachers of grades 7-12. The two-week workshops will be held at various NASA centers located across the United States during the summer of 1996. They are designed to help teachers take a multidisciplinary, “real world’’ approach to teaching about space, math, science, and technology. One hundred fifteen teachers will be selected for the elementary workshops and 100 for the secondary. Those chosen receive travel stipends, room and board, and graduate credit from Oklahoma State University. Applicants must be full-time teachers with at least five years’ teaching experience. For more information, contact: National Science Teachers Association, NEWEST/NEWMAST Programs, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201; (703) 243-7100.
- February 15. Classical Studies.
The American School of Classical Studies at Athens invites applications for the Katherine Keene Scholarship. One teacher will be awarded $2,500 to attend a six-week summer session in Greece. He or she will explore the topography and monuments of Greece, interpret Greek literature and historical writings, and learn how ancient sources may be used to interpret archaeological discoveries. Eligible are social studies or classics teachers in public secondary schools. Contact: ASCSA U.S. Office, 993 Lenox Drive, Suite 101, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648; (609) 844-7577; fax (609) 844-7524.
February 15. English.
The National Council of Teachers of English invites its members to apply for the Teacher-Researcher Grant Program. Grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded for proposals that explore questions related to teaching English/language arts. Eligible are teachers in grades K-14. To receive an application form, contact: Project Assistant, Teacher-Researcher Grant Program, NCTE Research Foundation, 1111 W. Kenyon Road, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 328-3870.
February 15. Television.
C-SPAN, an educational cable network, seeks nominations for the 1996 C-SPAN High School Teacher Fellowship Program. One winner will be selected to work for four weeks during the summer at C-SPAN’s offices in Washington, D.C., creating high school classroom materials. The fellowship includes a $5,000 stipend for living expenses, $500 in coupons redeemable for C-SPAN videos, and round-trip airfare. Only members of C-SPAN in the Classroom, an educational service, are eligible. Teachers can request an application but must be nominated by a cable affiliate. For more information, contact: 1996
C-SPAN High School Teacher Fellowship Program, C-SPAN, c/o Education and Marketing Services, 400 N. Capitol St. N.W., Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001; (202) 737-3220; fax (202) 737-3323.
- March 1. Shakespeare.
The National Endowment for the Humanities, in conjunction with Southern Oregon State College, is accepting applications for the NEH Summer Institute, which will be held June 30-July 26, 1996, in Ashland, Ore. Twenty-five high school English teachers will be chosen to explore new approaches to Shakespeare while studying plays performed by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. All participating teachers receive transportation, room and board, and a $1,000 stipend. For more information, contact: Center for Shakespeare Studies, Southern Oregon State College, Ashland, OR 97520; (503) 552-6905.
March 1. U.S. Constitution.
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation offers fellowships to teachers or prospective teachers. Each $24,000 award supports full- or part-time graduate study leading to a master’s degree in American history, political science, or education, with a concentration on the U.S. Constitution. Eligible are grade 7-12 teachers of American history, American government, and social studies, as well as recent college graduates who plan to teach the same subjects. Fellowships will be awarded to at least one recipient from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and, taken together, the other U.S. territories. Contact: James Madison Fellowship Program, P.O. Box 4030, 2201 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52243-4030; (800) 525-6928; fax (319) 337-1204; e-mail Recogprog@ACT-ACT4-PO.act.org.
March 15. Field Research.
Earthwatch, a nonprofit organization that supports scientists worldwide, offers a fellowship program for K-12 teachers interested in working on one of approximately 100 field research projects. Affiliated projects in such subject areas as zoology, art, health care, marine biology, and archaeology are under way in 22 U.S. states and more than 69 countries. Most fellowship expeditions last about two weeks. Full and partial fellowships are available. For more information, contact: Earthwatch, 680 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02172; (800) 776-0188.
HONORS
- February 1. Librarian.
The American Association of School Librarians, in conjunction with Baker & Taylor Books, is accepting nominations for its Distinguished Service Award. Nominees should be librarians who have made outstanding contributions to school librarianship and school library development. The winner receives a $3,000 award. Nominations must be made by an AASL member. For more information, contact: American Association of School Librarians, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; (800) 545-2433, ext. 4384.
February 15. Athletics.
The Women’s Sports Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization, in conjunction with Budget Rent-A-Car, is accepting nominations for its Budget CAR Coaches Award. Eligible are female recreational sports directors and coaches of high school or Division III sports teams. Fifty regional winners will each receive $250. They will then go on to compete for one of four national awards of $500 each, to be presented at the annual conference to be held in Orlando, Fla., in May 1996. For a nomination form, contact: Women’s Sports Foundation, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY 11554; (800) 227-3988; fax (516) 542-4716.
February 15. Chemistry.
The Polymer Education Committee of the American Chemical Society, in conjunction with the Dow Chemical Company Foundation, invites junior high and high school chemistry teachers to apply for the 1996 Award for Excellence in Polymer Education. Teachers will be judged on their innovative uses of classroom and laboratory activities that promote the understanding of polymer chemistry. One national winner will be recognized at the American Chemical Society’s national conference and will receive a cash prize, a set of polymer chemistry materials for use in the classroom, and a certificate of recognition. To receive an application, contact: Professor David Collard, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0400.
February 15. Home Economics.
The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, in conjunction with GLENCOE/McGraw-Hill and the Teacher of the Year Endowment Fund, offers the National Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year Award. The $1,000 award also includes up to $500 in financial support to attend the AAFCS annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn. Eligible are K-12 teachers of family and consumer sciences. For more information, contact: The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, 1555 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314; (703) 706-4600; fax (703) 706-4663.
March 1. Arts Education.
Heldref Publications offers two prizes for articles written about arts education. The 1996 Young Writers Award will go to the best article on any aspect of K-12 arts education policy written by a teacher under the age of 35; the winner receives a $500 cash prize. The 1996 Reston Prize will be awarded to the best article analyzing the relationship between precollegiate and collegiate arts education; the writer receives a $1,000 cash award. Manuscripts should be previously unpublished and be between 3,000 and 3,500 words in length. For more information, contact: Arts Education Policy Review Competitions, Heldref Publications, 1319 18th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036-1802; (202) 296-6267; fax (202) 296-5149.
March 15. Biology.
The National Association of Biology Teachers, in conjunction with Prentice Hall publishers, is accepting nominations for its Outstanding Biology Teacher Awards. One winner from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the overseas territories will each receive a free one-year membership in the NABT, a plaque to be presented at the 1996 NABT annual convention in Charlotte, N.C., and a $1,500 certificate for travel expenses and the purchase of biology supplies and equipment. Eligible are current biology and life science teachers of grades 7-12 with at least three years’ teaching in a public or parochial school. For more information, contact: National Associ-ation of Biology Teachers, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, #19, Reston, VA 22090-5202; (703) 471-1134.
March 15. Campaign Programming.
C-SPAN is accepting entries for its 1995-96 Equipment-For-Education Grant. Entries should highlight creative and effective uses of C-SPAN’s Campaign ’96 programming in the classroom. They can consist of videotape, student artwork, photographs of classroom activities, student testimonials, and any other appropriate material. Two grand prizes will be awarded: one expense-paid trip to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and one to the Republican National Convention in San Diego. Winners will have the opportunity to participate in C-SPAN’s coverage of the convention. C-SPAN will award up to 30 televisions and VCRs to additional winners. To receive an application, contact: C-SPAN in the Classroom, 1995-96 Equipment-For-Education Grant Program, 400 N. Capitol St. N.W., Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001; (202) 737-3220.
March 31. First-Year Teachers.
Sallie Mae is accepting nominations for its First-Class Teacher Awards Program. Eligible are first-year teachers who have shown outstanding instructional skills and have interacted effectively with faculty, staff, students, parents, and the community. Teachers must be nominated by their district’s superintendent. As many as 53 winners, one from each state, the District of Columbia, and the eastern and western territories, will each receive a $1,500 cash award and a personalized lucite sculpture. For a nomination form, contact: Sallie Mae, Corporate Communications, 1050 Thomas Jefferson St. N.W., Washington, DC 20007; (202) 298-3019; fax (202) 298-3160.
April 1. PTA.
The National PTA, in conjunction with the Hearst Foundation, invites nominations for the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstanding Educator Award. Educators currently employed in preschool through senior high school who have demonstrated professional excellence and commitment to the objectives of the PTA are eligible. A local PTA unit nominates one individual for the competition. The winner will be awarded an expense-paid trip to the 1996 National PTA Convention in Washington, D.C., and a cash award of $2,000. The local PTA that prepared the application will receive $2,000 for a project of special interest to the winner. Three honorable-mention winners will receive plaques of recognition. Contact: National PTA, 330 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60611-3690; (312) 670-6782.
April 1. Theater.
Tekgod Publications invites high school theater teachers in communities of less than 10,000 residents to apply for the Rural Theater Teacher of the Year Award. One $500 cash award will be given for outstanding and selfless service in isolated, financially limited, and culturally unsupportive environments. For applications, contact: Tekgod Publications, 10400 Connecticut Ave., Suite 100-222, Kensington, MD 20895; (800) 293-TEKI.
CALL FOR PAPERS
- February 15. Making Mistakes.
Inland: A Journal for Teachers of English Language Arts, published by the Inland Northwest Council of Teachers of English and the Idaho Council of Teachers of English, is accepting manuscripts for the Spring 1996 issue. The theme is “Making Mistakes--Making Changes.’' For more information, contact: Robert Ridings, Editor, English Department, Patterson 250, MS 25, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA 99004-2415; (509) 359-7056; email rridings@ewu.edu.
March 1. Children’s Literature.
Children’s Literature in the Secondary Classroom, an edited collection that explores the ways teachers use children’s literature with young adults, is accepting essays for publication. Topics may include using children’s literature to teach literary criticism, gender issues, or composition. Other topics will be considered, as well. Papers should be double-spaced and be between five and 15 pages in length. For more information, contact: Bruce Goebel, Department of English, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; (801) 581-6168.
March 1. Biology.
The National Association of Biology Teachers’ publication department is seeking life science and biology activities for a new How-To-Do-It publication designed for teachers of grades K-6. Anyone with experience teaching students in this age group is encouraged to send his or her original lab exercises, teaching tips, and ideas. Of special interest are hands-on, investigative exercises dealing with living organisms. Submissions should be typed and double-spaced. For more information, contact: Sherry Grimm, National Association of Biology Teachers, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, #19, Reston, VA 22090-5202; (703) 471-1134; (800) 406-0775.
TEACHING TOOLS
Following is a list of free or inexpensive resources that teachers can order.
Commercial Pressures.
Zillions: For Kids, a bimonthly children’s magazine published by Consumer Reports, has released Captive Kids, a 66-page report on the commercial pressures--such as corporate advertising--kids face at school. Also included is a review of corporate-sponsored educational products, materials, and contests. Cost: $3. Contact: Consumers Union, Educational Services, 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703-1057.
Lesson Plans.
The Smithsonian Institution is distributing a free quarterly publication, Art to Zoo, which includes information and lesson plans about a variety of things from around the world. Each issue includes a “teacher background’’ section, lesson ideas for students in grades 3-8, and a pull-out page of student activities. Contact: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560.
Environmental Studies.
Teacher Created Materials Inc. has published Rain Forest, a 176-page book designed to show children in grades 3-5 how to build a tropical rain forest in their classrooms. Also included are cross-curricular activities on the interdependence of plant and animal life. Cost: $14.95; use order no. TCM-674. Contact: Teacher Created Materials Inc., P.O. Box 1040, Huntington Beach, CA 92647; (800) 662-4321.
Native American Culture.
John Muir Publications and the Westridge Young Writers Workshop present Kids Explore the Heritage of Western Native America. The 116-page book, written by students and teachers from schools in Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Washington, and Wyoming, examines Native American history, crafts, dance, celebrations, and more. Included are real-life stories of six Native American families. Cost: $9.95. To order, contact: John Muir Publishers, P.O. Box 613, Santa Fe, NM 87504; (800) 285-4078.
Children’s Music.
Twin Sisters Productions, a publishing and recording company, is offering a free 30-minute cassette, Early Childhood Favorites, which introduces young children to a variety of early childhood skills through music, rhyme, and repetition. To order, send $3 for shipping and handling to: Twin Sisters Productions, 1340 Home Ave., Suite D, Akron, OH 44310; (800) 248-8946.
Science.
The Franklin Institute Science Museum, in conjunction with John Wiley & Sons publishers, offers The Ben Franklin Book of Easy & Incredible Experiments. The 121-page book shows how Ben Franklin discovered many of his inventions. Each chapter includes experiments using everyday household items, an annotated bibliography, and a list of topical questions. Cost: $12.95. Contact: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158-0012; (800) 225-5945.
Health Education.
The Research & Education Association offers The Essentials of AIDS & HIV, written for students in junior and senior high school. The 100-page book explains what is known and not known about the disease and virus, how one can and cannot become infected, and ways to protect oneself. The book also includes hot-line numbers and details on where to get information, counseling, and support. Cost: $5.95, plus $1.95 shipping and handling. Contact: Research & Education Association, 61 Ethel Road West, Piscataway, NJ 08854; (908) 819-8880.
Poetry.
Stenhouse Publishers has issued Three Voices: An Invitation to Poetry Across the Curriculum, by Bernice Cullinan, Marilyn Scala, and Virginia Schroder. The 136-page book provides 33 strategies and nearly 300 suggestions for utilizing poetry in all curricular areas of the elementary classroom. Cost: $18.50. Contact: Stenhouse Publishers, P.O. Box 360, 226 York St., York, ME 03909.
Life Science.
Planet Dexter, an educational publisher, offers Grossology: The Science of Really Gross Things, by Sylvia Branzei. The 64-page book examines the science behind the human body--including the respiratory and digestive systems, skin, and ears--in a humorous manner. It also includes activities and trivia for children ages 6-12 and a magnifying glass. Cost: $14.99. Contact: Planet Dexter, 1 Jacob Way, Reading, MA 01867-3999; (617) 944-3700; fax (617) 944-8243.
FOR YOUR STUDENTS
Following is a list of contests, scholarships, and internships for students organized by application deadline. Asterisks (
- ) denote new entries.
February 1. History.
The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution invites graduating high school seniors who will be majoring in American history to apply for the American History Scholarship. Up to two $2,000 annual scholarships will be awarded for four years of study; in addition, $1,000 annual scholarships will also be awarded. Applicants must be sponsored by a local DAR chapter. For more information, contact a local DAR chapter or NSDAR, 1776 D St. N.W., Washington, DC 20006-5303; (202) 628-1776; fax (202) 879-3252.
February 1. Technology.
The National Science Teachers Association, in conjunction with the Toshiba Corp., announces the fourth annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards. Groups of three to four students in grades K-12, guided by one teacher-adviser, must choose some type of technology and envision how it might be used 20 years from now. Members of four first-place and eight second-place teams will receive a weekend trip to Washington, D.C. In addition, students on the first-place teams will each receive a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond; those on second-place teams will receive $5,000 bonds. The teacher-adviser and schools of the national finalist teams will be awarded a choice of Toshiba products. Contact: Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards Program, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3000; (703) 243-7100.
February 2. Traffic Safety.
The American Automobile Association is accepting submissions for its National School Traffic Safety Poster Program. Students in grades K-12 must submit an original poster dealing with some aspect of traffic safety. One grand-prize winner from each of four grade levels will be awarded a $500 U.S. Savings Bond. Thirty first- through third-place winners in each age group will also win savings bonds. Contact: AAA, Poster Program Headquarters, Traffic Safety Department, 1000 AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL 32746-5063; (407) 444-7000; fax (407) 444-7956.
February 9. Peace Studies.
The United States Institute of Peace invites students in grades 9-12 to submit a 1,500-word essay examining the definition of the United States’ national security interests, including thoughts on military intervention and use of humanitarian, diplomatic, or economic resources. First-place state winners will receive college scholarships of $750 and be eligible for national awards of up to $5,000. All first-place state winners will attend, free of charge, an awards program in Washington, D.C., in June 1996. Contact: United States Institute of Peace, National Peace Essay Contest, 1550 M St. N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005-1708; (202) 429-3854.
February 15. Geography.
Delta Air Lines invites students ages 9-13 to enter its fourth annual international geography essay competition: Delta’s World Adventure Challenge With Carmen Sandiego. Students ages 9-11 must write a 1,000- to 1,200-word essay, 12- and 13-year-olds a 1,300- to 2,000-word essay, on a specified geography topic. Twelve World Champions win $1,000 U.S. Savings Bonds, compact disc radio cassette recorders, and free trips for three to Disney World. One grand-prize winner will be chosen from the World Champions to receive an additional $500 worth of cassettes and four round-trip economy-class tickets. Thirty-eight national winners receive $100 U.S. Savings Bonds, portable radio cassette players, and gift packages. Contact: Delta’s World Adventure Challenge With Carmen Sandiego, 7400 Graham Road, Fairburn, GA 30213; (800) DELTA-18.
February 29. Fiction.
Highlights for Children magazine invites youngsters and adults to enter its 17th annual fiction writing contest. Entries should be stories about children in today’s world; they should have not been previously published and be 900 words or fewer in length. Three winners receive $1,000 each and will have their work published in upcoming issues of Highlights for Children. Entries must be postmarked between Jan. 1 and Feb. 29. Send manuscripts with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Highlights for Children, Fiction Contest, 803 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431.
March 1. Historical Figures.
Cobblestone Publishing Inc., publisher of Cobblestone magazine, announces its Person of the Year Contest. Students ages 8-15 are asked to choose a person from a list of four historical figures--Geronimo, Anne Hutchinson, Stonewall Jackson, and John Philip Sousa--and prepare a video, poster, or essay on the individual. Entries, which will serve as ballots, should consist of a description of the person within the medium of the chosen category. The winner in each category will receive a $200 U.S. Savings Bond; his or her winning work will be published in the Cobblestone issue that highlights the 1995 Person of the Year. Contact: 1995 Person of the Year Contest, Cobblestone Publishing Inc., 7 School St., Peterborough, NH 03458.
- March 1. Epilepsy Scholarship.
Parke-Davis, a national pharmaceutical company, invites nominations for the 1996 Parke-Davis Epilepsy Scholarship. Nominees must be college-bound high school seniors with a record of academic and extracurricular excellence who are undergoing treatment by a physician for epilepsy. Fourteen scholarships of $3,000 each will be awarded. Contact: Parke-Davis Epilepsy Scholarship Program, c/o InterMed, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036; (800) 292-7373.
March 1. Handwriting.
Zaner-Bloser Educational Publishers and Parker Pens invite elementary schools that use Zaner-Bloser materials to enter its 1996 National Handwriting Contest. Zaner-Bloser will provide the contest materials to each participating school, which then selects one winning entry per grade level for submission. Six national contest winners each receive a $500 U.S. Savings bond, a Parker Pen, and a plaque. The class of the winning student will receive a plaque and T-shirts. Only entries made through the classroom will be considered. For an information packet, call: (800) 924-9233.
March 15. Handwriting.
Peterson Directed Handwriting announces the 1996 National Cursive Handwriting Contest. Students in grades 3-8 are invited to submit an example of their best cursive handwriting. One winner from each grade level will receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. All entries judged excellent will be elected to the National Cursive Handwriting Honor Society and will be awarded a membership certificate. Grade 3 entries may be in pencil; entries from grades 4-8 must be in ink. For an entry form, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Peterson Handwriting, 315 S. Maple Ave., P.O. Box 249, Greenburg, PA 15601-0249; (800) 541-6328; fax (412) 836-4110.
March 22. Drunk Driving.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving announces the 1996 MADD PosterEssay Contest. The theme is “Drinking and Driving Is a Road to Nowhere.’' The poster contest is open to children in grades 1-12; posters may be created using crayon, marker, paint, ink, or pencil. Children in grades 4-12 are eligible for the essay contest; entries should be about 250 words long and written in English or Spanish. Seven first-place winners in both categories will each be awarded a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque, a ribbon, and an expense-paid trip to an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Seven second-place winners in both categories will each be given a $500 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque, and a ribbon. Seven third-place winners in both categories will receive a $250 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque, and a ribbon. For more information, contact: MADD National Office, Programs Department, 511 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 700, Irving, TX 75062; (214) 744-6233, ext. 217.
- March 30. Letter Writing.
Conari Press and the National Collaboration of Youth invite students ages 6-18 to enter the Who’s Your Hero? National Essay Contest. Students must write a letter of 1,000 or fewer words to a person who has made a positive difference in their lives. Fifty to 100 winning letters will be published as a collection on the heroes of American youth; writers will receive a complimentary copy of the final publication and a Kodak disposable camera. Entrants must be participants in an agency affiliated with the National Collaboration for Youth, such as the Boy or Girl scouts, 4-H, or the Salvation Army. For more information, ontact: Who’s Your Hero? National Essay Contest, c/o Conari Press, 2550 Ninth St., Suite 101, Berkeley, CA 94710; (800) 685-9595.
- March 31. Drawing.
The American Lung Association and the Triaminic Parents Club invite children ages 6-15 to submit original drawings for the Christmas Seals Kids’ Drawing Contest. Drawings must be submitted in color on an 8 1/2-by-11-inch sheet of white paper. One winner from each state will receive My First SONY Electronic Sketch Pad. One grand-prize winner will receive a multimedia computer, color inkjet printer, and graphics software. In addition, his or her drawing will be turned into a Christmas Seal. Contact: American Lung Association/Triaminic; (800) LUNG-USA.
- April 1. Scholarships.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) invites minority high school seniors to apply for its Student Opportunity Scholarships. Fifty to 60 scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, demonstrate financial need, plan to attend college full time, and belong to the Presbyterian Church. Awards range from $100 to $1,400 per academic year and can be renewed. Contact: Presbyterian Church (USA), Office of Financial Aid for Studies, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202-1396; (502) 569-5745; fax (502) 569-5018.
- April 1. Archaeology.
The National Science Foundation, in conjunction with the Center for American Archaeology, invites high school juniors and seniors to apply for the Young Scholars Program. Full and partial scholarships are available for the five-week program that includes excavations, lectures, and field trips. Students design and conduct their own research projects in bioanthropology, botany, geomorphology, lithics, ceramics, or zoology. For more information, contact: Center for American Archaeology, NSF-YS Program, P.O. Box 366, Kampsville, IL 62053; (618) 653-4316.
- April 1. Community Service.
The Hitachi Foundation, a nonprofit and philanthropic organization, seeks nominations for the 1996 Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community. The award honors outstanding high school seniors who have distinguished themselves through extensive service and leadership. The person nominating the sen-ior must submit a completed nomination form, a letter of recommendation of less than five pages, and two supporting letters by individuals who are familiar with the student’s accomplishments. Six to 10 students will each receive a $5,000 award and participate in an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. For nomination materials, contact: The Yoshiyama Award, P.O. Box 19247, Washington, DC 20036-9247; (202) 457-0588.
- April 1. Essay.
The Ayn Rand Institute invites high school freshmen and sophomores to enter an essay contest on Rand’s novella Anthem. The best essayist receives a $1,000 cash award. Ten second-prize winners receive $200 each, and 20 third-prize winners receive $100 each. The essay, on one of three topics specified by the institute, must be between 600 and 1,200 words in length. Contact: Anthem Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 6099, Inglewood, CA 90312; (310) 306-9232.
- April 15. Young Playwrights.
Very Special Arts, an educational program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, invites students ages 12-18 to enter the 1996 Young Playwrights Award contest. Entrants must submit an original script that focuses on some aspect of a disability. Up to two winning playwrights will travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the final rehearsals of their plays and to attend the premiere production at the Kennedy Center. Students with or without disabilities are eligible to enter. Contact: Young Playwrights Program, Very Special Arts Education Office, The JFK Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC 20566; (800) 933-8721.
- April 15. Essay.
The Ayn Rand Institute invites high school juniors and seniors to enter an essay contest on Rand’s novel The Fountainhead. First prize is a $5,000 cash award. Five second-prize winners receive $1,000 each, and 10 third-prize winners receive $500 each. The essays, on one of three topics specified by the institute, must be between 800 and 1,600 words. Contact: Fountainhead Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 6004, Inglewood, CA 90312; (310) 306-9232.
--Alison Coy and Deborah L. Rouse
