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 are independent of the government?

The Hawaii winner will receive a $250 scholarship 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:

SPJHigh School Essay Contest

c/o Linda Dela Cruz

P.O. Box 3141

Honolulu, HI 96802

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For more information, contact awards coordinator Lauren Rochester at 317-927-8000, ext. 210, or via awards@spj.org.