The Hawaii Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is inviting high school students to participate in an essay contest on this question: Why is it important that we have news media that is independent of the government?

The Hawaii winner will receive a $250 scholarship prize from the Hawaii Chapter SPJ, and be eligible for national awards of up to $1,000.

Students enrolled in grades 9-12 in public, private and home schools are eligible. Students must submit original work and have a sponsoring teacher sign the contest entry form.

The essay should be 300 to 500 words. Entries may be typed or handwritten, but must be double-spaced.

Visit www.spj.org/a-hs.asp to download the entry form and other information.

Send essay entries postmarked by March 8 to the SPJ Hawaii Pro chapter:

SPJ High School Essay Contest
c/o Linda Dela Cruz
P.O. Box 3141
Honolulu, HI 96802

The winner of the Hawaii contest will win a $250 scholarship prize be eligible for national awards of a $1,000 scholarship for first place; a $500 scholarship for second place; and a $300 scholarship for third place.

Contact Awards Coordinator Lauren Rochester at 317-927-8000 ext. 210 or awards@spj.org for more information.