The 2008 presidential election is one for the history books.
For an entire week in October, “USA TODAY” is dedicating a special section of the editorial page to college students’ letters to the editor. Students can voice their opinions about candidates or just write a story. The piece does not have to be political, although it is encouraged to have some relevance to the 2008 presidential election. A free iPod Touch will be given to the student from Sam Houston State that gets a letter published.
“USA TODAY is providing college students with the opportunity to share their opinion with over 5.4 million readers,” said Mary Jo Lawry, senior account manager of “USA TODAY/Sports Weekly”.
Students are encouraged to take a stance in their piece, but also to maintain some objectivity and perspective. The pieces for publication will be selected on the basis of originality, subject matter, issues of importance and relevance.
One of the reasons for the project, Lawry said, was to raise awareness through a special promotion for the readership on campus program, brought to Sam Houston by the SGA in 2005.
The deadline for the letters has not been announced, but students are encouraged to send them in as soon as possible. Entries should be limited to 250 words, if possible. include your school, phone number, city and state for verification purposes.
The selected letters will be published on the Editorial Page of “USA TODAY”. If a student sees his or her work published in “USA TODAY,” he next step is to contact Mary Jo Lawry of “USA TODAY” or Dean John Yarabeck to receive their free iPod Touch.
For more information, and to view the guidelines for the contest, go to http://www.usatoday.com/educate/college/.