Twin Cities students can enter United Way essay contest

Have you done something — even something small — to make our community better?

We want to know about it.

For the sixth year in a row, Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Star Tribune and U.S. Bank are teaming up to sponsor a student essay contest.

To take part in this year's contest, students in grades three through five are invited to write about what they have done to make their families, neighborhoods, classrooms and communities better.

Students should give examples of what they have done to "Live United" — by helping others, by improving their neighborhood or the environment, by befriending a new student or standing up to a bully.

Teachers, parents and community leaders are encouraged to invite students to participate in the contest. Essays should be concise (about 100 words), inspirational and, most important, personal.

Prizes, donated by U.S. Bank, will be awarded to the top 10 winning essayists, and their stories will be published in the Star Tribune Nov. 24.

Theme: Essays should be about 100 words long and follow United Way's "Live United" theme.

Deadline: Essays must be received by Oct. 16.

To submit: E-mail to essay@gtcuw.org or mail to Greater Twin Cities United Way, Essay Contest, 404 S. 8th St., Minneapolis, MN 55404.

Essays should include the student's name, age, grade, address, phone number and e-mail address. Essays will not be considered without contact information. (Contact information will not be published.)