Vaccination is considered by many health officials to be the most effective and least expensive means to prevent disease. For centuries many children suffered from or died each year from smallpox, measles, mumps and polio. These diseases can now be prevented with vaccination.
Vaccines are not without controversy. Many do not get flu shots. Concern over a causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism have some parents deciding not to inoculate their children. Recent focus on HPV has raised questions of a state's role in recommending or requiring vaccinations.
This contest allows aspiring student journalists to explore the issues, conduct research and produce feature or commentary pieces for their publication or broadcast outlet.
The contest is open to students enrolled in grades 9-12 in public, charter or private U.S. high schools. Each of the categories has three prize levels: $500, $300 and $150. There are also up to three $1,000 awards for schools that have produced extensive, well-researched coverage of vaccination issues that has raised awareness and stimulated dialogue in their communities.
Please visit the NEA HIN website for contest rules and entry forms. Only video entries can be submitted through SchoolTube. Once your video is uploaded and you recieve your confirmation and video number you must complete a paper entry and send to NEA HIN. Additional information can be found here.
Contest Categories:
It is essential that all entries reflect research and accuracy as well as meet genre and length requirements. There are eight categories to enter.
Print
Four Categories
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Editorial (250 to 400 words)
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Commentary (250 to 500 words)
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Cartoon (editorial or panel)
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Feature (400 to 1,000 words)
Broadcast
Four Categories
Submission
Visit NEAHIN's Web site for contest rules, resources and entry forms.
Submission Deadline is July 1, 2009.
Produced by NEA HIN through unrestricted educational grants provided by GlaxoSmithKline.