Scholarships to A&M International Are Prizes for Upcoming Art Contest

Artistic local and area high school students can receive scholarships to Texas A&M International University by submitting winning entrees to the University's Spring 1999 "Alcohol Abuse Prevention Art Contest."

The contest, which will be judged in April, is open to local and area high school students. Six winning entrants will be awarded scholarships to A&M International.

First, second, and third place winners will be awarded scholarships of $1,000, $750, and $500, respectively. Three $250 scholarships will also be awarded to honorable mention winners. All scholarships must be used at Texas A&M International University. Dependents of A&M International employees may enter the contest but are not eligible to win the scholarships.

The contest is part of the University's "Safety, Health, and Wellness Initiative 1998 - 99," an effort that aims to improve the well- being of the University community and the community at large, explained contest co-organizer Angie Cantrell, director of Student Health Services at A&M International.

"We hope that the contest will not only showcase the talents of young artists but also increase awareness that alcohol abuse is a health-related barrier to learning," said Cantrell.

The University realizes the importance of combating alcohol abuse and has established programs which deal with alcohol abuse education, prevention, intervention, and treatment referral services.

"Through these programs, the University provides a setting in which education leads to the prevention of alcohol and other drug abuse. Through the Art Contest, we hope to carry the message of alcohol abuse prevention to our future students," noted David VerMilyea, contest co-organizer and director of Student Development at A&M International.

To be eligible to enter the contest, entrants must be a student currently enrolled in a local or area high school, and must sign a release of copyright to the University. The University reserves the right to copyright, edit, modify, or reproduce the artwork. All winning entries will become the property of Texas A&M International University.

Contest guidelines are as follows: Each artist must submit only one entry. Entries must depict the theme of Alcohol Abuse Prevention.

All entries must be no larger than 22" x 28" and no smaller than 11" x 17" on illustration board or paper. Paper entries must be mounted securely on cardboard or foamcore. Entries may have an optional border or mat no greater that 2 inches.

Artwork must be submitted covered with plastic wrap, shrink wrap, or acetate. No laminated entries, three-dimensional, or posterboard entries will be accepted.

The artist must have a completed legible entry form affixed securely on the back of the artwork only.

The use of any copyrighted characters or materials will not be accepted.

Entries must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. April 12 to the Lobby of the Kinesiology/Convocation Building at A&M International.

All entries will be exhibited April 14 - 23 throughout the ground floor levels of A&M International buildings. Winning entries will be displayed in the foyer of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.

An award presentation and reception for all participating artists and their parents will be held in the Great Room of the Killam Library (room 319) at 7 p.m. April 16.

For additional information on the "Alcohol Abuse Prevention Art Contest" sponsored by A&M International, please contact Cantrell, 326-2235, or VerMilyea, 326-2280. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu