Nov 8, 2009 By Herald Standard Staff 2 min read

“Life, A Precious Gift,” an essay contest sponsored by Friends of Alternatives.Yes, is open to 6th- through 12th-grade students. The contest will award a $300 cash prize to the winning 9th- through 12th-grade entry and a $100 cash prize to the winning 6th- through 8th-grade entry. A book will be donated to the library of the 6th- through 8th-grade winner’s choice.

Winning essays will be published in the organization’s newsletter.

To be eligible for the contest, a student must reside or attend a school in either Fayette or Westmoreland county. Relatives of staff, board members and volunteers of Alter-native.Yes are not eligible for the contest. Essays will be judged on originality, creativity, grammar and neatness.

Essays must be typed, double-spaced. The student’s name, grade, phone number, address and school must be written on the back of the essay.

Essays for grades nine through 12 are not to exceed 750 words. Essays for grades six through eight are not to exceed 500 words.

Essays must be mailed to Alternatives.Yes, 6 Frank Gallo Lane, Connellsville, Pa., 15425 and should be postmarked by Jan. 4. Winners will be notified by Jan. 22.

Alternatives.Yes is a life-affirming, pregnancy support center that offers alternatives to abortion through caring, counseling and referrals to other resources.

For more information about the contest or the center, visit www.pregnancy-support.com or call 724-628-5555.