The Vitae Foundation's annual Essay Contest on Life Issues kicked off recently with assemblies held at Linn and Fatima high schools.
Eligible students are any Osage County eighth- through 12th-grader who attends an Osage County school.
The grand-prize winner throws out a ceremonial first pitch at Osage County Night at the Ballpark on July 20, when the St. Louis Cardinals play the San Diego Padres.
The second-prize winner will visit the broadcast booth and meet Mike Shannon.
Essays are due at Vitae offices by June 14.
The essay contest is made possible by a grant from the Alphonse J. Schwartze Foundation.
Tickets for the July 20 Cardinal game can be purchased through Vitae Foundation by calling 800-393-5791 or through Fatima High School at (573) 455-2375.