Students, we invite your participation.
Area middle school and high school students are invited to participate in an editorial contest to raise awareness about the dangers of smartphone-related driving distractions.
The winning editorials will be published in our newspaper.
But wait - as television pitchmen are known to repeat - there's more. Local winners will receive cash prizes and will advance to the statewide contest, where the winning high school entry will receive $1,000 and the top middle school editorial will win $500.
Here's how it works. The Jefferson City News Tribune has teamed with other local newspapers, the Missouri Press Association (MPA) and AT&T for this year's "It Can Wait" editorial contest.
The contest is open to public or private middle school and high school students statewide. Participants in Cole, Callaway, Moniteau, Osage, Miller and Morgan counties may submit entries by email to [email protected]. Please include your name and telephone number, as well as your grade level and school.
The contest deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Missouri law prohibits texting while driving for drivers under age 22.
Entries must:
Address the question - "Why should the Missouri General Assembly update the state's law to make texting while driving illegal for all drivers, not just for those 21 and younger?"
Highlight the dangers of engaging in smartphone activities like texting, using social media and taking pictures while driving.
Include the following call to action - "Take the pledge to keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone at ItCanWait.com."
In addition to the cash prizes, statewide winners will receive a tour of the MU School of Journalism and the MPA office, as well as dinner with the leadership of AT&T, the MPA and their local newspaper publisher.
Mark Maassen, MPA executive director, said: "By hosting the It Can Wait editorial contest with AT&T and our local member papers, the Missouri Press Association hopes to provide students with a meaningful learning experience and help make our Missouri roads safer by reinforcing the message to 'keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone'."
We share the goal of providing a forum for area students to promote public safety.
The window to receive entries is open. Don't wait to participate in this year's It Can Wait contest.