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For Immediate Release

Minneapolis (Feb. 12, 2001) - In celebration of Black History Month, Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools are continuing a three-year partnership with Coca-Cola and the University of Minnesota to sponsor the 2001 Black History Month Essay Contest for all public middle school and high school students in the two cities.

This year's essay theme asks students to commemorate Black History Month by writing about how they would make a difference in the world. Essays must be 500 words or less and must be submitted to the essay contest coordinator in each middle school or high school by the end of school day Friday, Feb.16, 2001.

McKinley Boston, a consultant to the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board, has championed the program with the Urban League since its inception. "This program generates awareness of Black History Month by giving participating students valuable tools that will increase their ability to succeed academically. It also recognizes teachers and staff, and links schools to their communities," Boston said.

Four computers will be awarded, one each to essay contest winners in St. Paul and Minneapolis public high schools and middle schools. In addition, the two "winning" high schools will receive $5,000 University of Minnesota scholarships to award to a deserving student in each school. Schools with the most essays submitted will also be awarded $1,000 each for professional development efforts.

All students who submit an essay and their families are invited to attend a free recognition event at the University of Minnesota's Williams Arena on Saturday, March 10 from 12pm to 2pm, featuring Vikings superstar Daunte Culpepper, as well as music and food. A drawing will award four computers as door prizes, along with other items.

This year marks the third consecutive year of the Coca-Cola - University of Minnesota essay contest. Previous themes were How is the gift of knowledge a foundation for success? and How does the understanding of the past unlock the door to a successful future?