Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : May 5, 2006

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Kim McHenry , Parks and Recreation Section (304) 558-2764 parks@westvirginia.com

State Parks Sponsors Summer Essay Contest

Charleston, W.Va. – Representatives of the West Virginia State Parks and Forests today announced it is sponsoring a summer essay contest called “My West Virginia State Parks: What They Mean to Me” during the West Virginia Social Studies Fair at the Charleston Civic Center.

According to Kim McHenry , programming services coordinator for West Virginia State Parks, the contest kicked off Monday and will take place throughout the summer. All entries must be postmarked by September 10, 2006.

“We encourage West Virginians of all ages to capture on paper their memories of one of the state's most beautiful resources, our state's parks and forests,” McHenry said. “We are excited to celebrate the beauty of our state and the importance of our state park system, and we encourage everyone – from ages 6 to 106 - to participate in this contest.”

According to McHenry, the essay contest features four categories: children ages 6-8, children ages 9-12, teens ages 13-17 and adults ages 18 and older and is open to all West Virginia residents as well as residents from other states. Entries can be mailed directly to West Virginia State Parks and Forests. All entries must by typed and accompanied by an entry form.

McHenry explained the winners will be recognized during a press conference to be announced at a later date, and the winners in each category will receive the following prizes:

• First-place winners :     One-week getaways at a West Virginia State Park cabin

• Second-place winners :   Two-night getaways at a Cass Scenic Railroad State Park cottage and four train tickets to Whittaker Station

• Third-place winners :     W.Va. State Parks Collectors Edition Monopoly Games

• Honorable mention :   Autographed copies of Maureen Crockett's book Jewels in Our Crown

For more information, including the official essay contest rules and entry form, visit the West Virginia State Parks and Forests Web site at www.wvstateparks.com or call (304) 558-2764.

**DNR**