eXceL Awards topic is 'risk'

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance will again offer college scholarships to students through the eXceL Awards competition. Creative students who excel in various forms of artistic expression are invited to enter.

"Risk" is the topic for this year's competition. The topic was chosen through a survey of last year's eXceL Awards state finalists. Students can enter their creative interpretation of risk in one of six categories: writing, music, two-dimensional art, three-dimensional art, video or performance art.

The eXceL Awards give students an opportunity to develop talents and skills that will impact their future.

The eXceL Awards will be featured at this year's state fair in the Grand Hall. Students from Lafayette Jefferson and New Castle Chrysler high schools will be on hand to demonstrate their artistic talents for visitors. Children of all ages who visit the eXceL Awards exhibit will be encouraged to explore their creativity.

Through the eXceL Awards, IFBI presents six state first-place winners with $3,000 each, with $2,500 going to six second-place contestants and $2,000 going to six third-place entrants. An additional $1,000 will be awarded to the student whose entry is considered best of show.

The Indiana high school with the highest total number of entries advancing to the state finals will be awarded a $3,000 cash prize. During the 20052006 competition, nearly 6,800 entries were received from 268 high schools and several home schools throughout the state.

Information about rules and how to enter will be sent to all high schools. Students who are interested in competing can contact their school administrative office for the information. Additional details and entry information are available from Pam Walker at (800) 866-1160, extension 7748 or by visiting www.infarmbureau.com/excel.

Entries may be submitted from Jan. 22 to 26, 2007, at the local Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance office.

The eXceL Awards state finals will be held April 14, 2007, at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center on the University of Indianapolis campus. The event is free and open to the public. Canine Cavalcade