Vitae Foundation was awarded a grant from the Alphonse J. Schwartze Community Foundation, which will enable Vitae to advertise during all 162 games on the St. Louis Cardinals Radio Network.
It is the fifth consecutive year an essay contest for Osage County students has been included as part of the grant.
Eligible students must be in grades 8-12 from: Osage County R-1 (Chamois); Osage County R-2 (Linn); Osage County R-3 Fatima (Westphalia); and eighth graders attending the following schools in Osage County: St. Joseph Catholic School (Westphalia); Sacred Heart School (Rich Fountain); Immaculate Conception School (Loose Creek); Holy Family School (Freeburg); St. George School (Linn); or St. Mary School (Frankenstein). It also includes Osage County students grades 8-12 who are homeschooled or attend school outside the county (example: live in Osage County and attend Helias Catholic High School).
Contestants must compose an original hand written or typed essay of 500-1,500 words on any life issues topic. One submission per contestant is allowed, and all contestants must be residents of Osage County.
Essays may be submitted by email to [email protected] or mailed to Vitae and postmarked by 5 p.m. June 19.
Each student who submits an essay will receive four tickets to Osage County Night at the Ballpark on July 29, when the Cardinals take on the Cincinnati Reds.
The essay contest's first-place, grand prize winner will throw out a ceremonial first pitch before the game. The second-place, grand prize winner will get to visit the Cardinals' radio booth to meet Mike Shannon.