Deadline is Oct. 22 for youth essay contest
Comet staff report

Indiana eighth graders are invited to participate in the annual essay contest sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and Sen. Richard Lugar.

"Energy Aware - Energy Independent" is the theme for the youth essay contest, according to IFB 2nd Vice President Isabella Chism. Chism chairs the Women's Leadership Committee, which is in charge of the annual contest.

"This year we want students to consider the different types of alternative energy - wind, solar, biofuels, etc. - available to us as we pursue energy independence," said Chism. "What can farmers do to lead the way for a sustainable energy future?"

The contest began in 1985 and is designed to increase the awareness of young Hoosiers as to the significance of Indiana agriculture, how it relates to the supply of food and fuel and to their personal health.

Contest brochures will be mailed to public schools as well as to home school representatives in early September. The brochure will also be available as a PDF file on the Indiana Farm Bureau website at www.infarmbureau.org in the "Events" section. All essays must be mailed to your local Farm Bureau county woman leader and must be postmarked no later than Oct. 22.

Essays will be judged on the basis of correct grammar and punctuation, spelling, understanding of the topic, neatness and overall appearance, originality and creativity.

One boy and one girl from each of Farm Bureau's 10 districts will be chosen as finalists and will win $50 U.S. Savings Bonds. The state winners - one boy and one girl - will be honored at Indiana Farm Bureau's annual convention, Dec. 7 and 8, and will win a trip to Washington, D.C., courtesy of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.