What: National High School Essay Contest Topic: “Why is reconnecting the circle with Native Americans important today”? When: New Deadline: January 21, 2008 Who: High school students (grades 9-12) Where: At high schools across the United States How To Enter: Read the Official Contest Rules & Regulations. Print out the Official Entry & Permission Form and legibly print information in blue or black pen. ** Entry Forms MUST be signed. Please follow instructions on the form. Read the Essay Question. (Note: The essay question page provides clarity on the essay topic.) Include the completed Entry & Permission Form with TWO (2) copies of your essay and send by mail to: Reconnecting The Circle, National High School Essay Contest, PO Box 8842, Reston, VA 20195. Additionally, you can post your essay to the Reconnecting The Circle website (Date: To Be Determined. You can send us your essay for posting via email). All high-school aged students (grades 9-12) from tribal, public, private and parochial schools from all 50 states are invited to participate. Up to 10 winners will each receive a $2,500 cash prize. If you have trouble opening the files, please contact us at info@reconnectingthecircle.com. Materials for Teachers & High School Students: 2007 Official Contest Rules & Regulations (PDF) 2007 Entry & Permission Form (PDF) 2007 Scholarship Award Guidelines (PDF) 2007 School Flyer (PDF) Essay Question (PDF) Adobe Acrobat Reader required for all PDF files. A Note About Reconnecting The Circle Reconnecting The Circle (RTC), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, seeks to encourage people to learn about Native American people and cultures, and to develop a more meaningful and complete perspective on Indian Country. RTC’s programs encourage children and adolescents, grades K-12, to share their experiences, to explore facets of Indian Country, and to seek accurate information on both historical, as well as contemporary Native American topics. Participation in these educational programs is a way to strengthen our communities where shared values can be recognized. RTC is in partnership with the National Congress of American Indians, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Boys and Girls Clubs in Indian Country, Cherokee Nation Education Corporation, and the Oneida Trust Committee, Oneida Nation, Wisconsin.