‘Destino: Latinoamérica’ essay contest.

Continental Airlines and the National Hispanic Press Foundation (NHPF) announced an essay contest for college-going Hispanic high school seniors called “Destino: Latinoamérica” (“Destination: Latin America”).

Essays must focus on some aspect of Latin America’s impact on the U.S., such as cultural, social, economic or immigration. The contest winner will receive three Continental Airlines tickets for him/herself and his/her parents for a college visit anywhere in the United States where Continental flies, as well as three airline tickets to attend a special NHPF awards presentation news conference in Washington, D.C., in May or June 2007. Deadline is Monday, April 9, 2007.

“Latin America and the Caribbean are intertwined culturally and economically with the U.S. and comprise more than half of Continental Airlines’ international destinations,” said Pete Garcia, Vice President, Latin America, Continental, and a member of the Hispanic Media Corporate Council of the National Association of Hispanic Publications, the parent organization of the NHPF. “We are very pleased to partner with the NHPF to assist deserving Latino students, while showcasing the connections between the Americas.”

“Travel cost is often a major obstacle for Hispanic students who go to college away from home,” said Tom Oliver, Executive Director, NHPF. “This contest will help out Hispanic students who want to visit a college they are contemplating attending or need transportation to the college after they are enrolled.”

Essays may be submitted in English or Spanish and must be between 200-300 words. Judges, who will include representatives from Continental and the NHPF, will evaluate the essays for clarity of expression and originality.

The contest is open to U.S. residents of Hispanic descent who are currently enrolled in their senior year of high school. Participants must attach a cover letter with name, address, telephone, high school name and date of graduation, as well as a letter from their high school counselor confirming that the essay writer is enrolled in high school. The winner must agree to allow use of his/her name and likeness in publicity materials.

The winner will be announced at a special National Hispanic Press Foundation news conference in Washington, D.C. in May or June 2007. In addition, the winning essay will be posted on two NHPF-related Web sites, www.hispanicpress.org and www.scholarshipsforhispanics.org, as well as published in 10 NAHP member newspapers around the country.

Information about the program will be posted at www.scholarshipsforhispanics.org. Essay contest applicants should submit their cover letters, proof of high school enrollment and essays by April 9, 2007, to the address listed below or via e-mail to ne**@**hp.org. National Association of Hispanic Publications Continental Airlines “Destino: Latinoámerica” Contest
529 14th Street NW, Suite 1085
Washington, DC 20045