Students Can Speak Out on News Topics

What do Ventura County teens think of global warming? Do they agree with Gov. Pete Wilson that teachers should be tested? Do they think parents are right to worry about kids and the Internet?

We’ll find out.

A monthly essay contest begins this month in The Times. Students at any public or private high school in Ventura County are eligible to enter as often as they like.

Questions will cover a range of topics in the news.

This month: In an effort to keep young people out of trouble, Ventura County cities have passed curfew laws that require minors to be off the streets late at night. Law enforcement officials say curfews cut crime--but are they fair?

Essays must be no longer than 600 words and are due on the fourth Monday of each month. Entries for this month’s contest are due Jan. 26.

Winning entries will be chosen at the sole discretion of Times editors for their originality, persuasiveness, logic and handling of the mechanics of writing, such as grammar, spelling and syntax.

Contestants may submit only their own original work and must agree to its publication in the newspaper and on the Los Angeles Times Web site.

A winner and new topic will be announced on this page the first Monday of each month. Winners will receive $100.

Entries must include the writer’s name, age, grade and school. A home address and phone number must also be supplied, but will not be published.

Entries should be sent to: Education Page Editor, Los Angeles Times, 93 S. Chestnut St., Ventura 93001.

Fax: 653-7576. E-mail: [email protected]