Enter our essay contest to win your own

HER STORY: McKenna Brooks, a fourth-grader and successful gymnast, finds it challenging to balance both school and sports. When she struggles with reading, she uses her strengths as a gymnast to succeed in the classroom.

In conjunction with the upcoming American Girl Doll Fashion Show being presented by Kids’ Crew of Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, The Vindicator is conducting both a contest and a drawing as two opportunities to win an American Girl Doll.

ABOUT THE CONTEST

PRIZE: The young participants will have a chance to win their very own McKenna doll, which is American Girl’s 2012 Girl of the Year.

HOW TO ENTER: Area girls 8 to 12 years old are welcome to send a brief essay using 100 words or fewer. Tell us about a challenge that you faced in school and how you succeeded.

MAIL YOUR ENTRY TO: The Vindicator, Attn. Barb Shaffer, Society/Features Editor, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown, OH 44501

OR EMAIL IT TO: society@vindy.com

The deadline is Friday, April 20. Entries must include the girl’s name, age, city of residence and telephone number.

The winner will be notified Monday, April 23, and her winning entry will be printed in The Vindicator and posted online at www.vindy.com Sunday, April 29.

Some of the other entries the judges like also will be posted online.

NOTE: Each girl who enters the contest will receive one complimentary ticket to the show of her choice. The girls will be contacted by phone to arrange to receive their tickets.

THE DRAWING

WHO CAN ENTER: For those who don’t qualify for the writing contest, The Vindicator also will be giving adults 18 and older a chance to call in and enter a drawing for a Rebecca doll.

HER STORY: Rebecca Rubin, who came to America with her family in 1914, uses a little creativity to stay true to the traditions of her Russian-Jewish family while experiencing the customs of New York City.

HOW TO ENTER: Watch for details in coming editions and online to see how you can enter this drawing.

ABOUT THE SHOW

When: April 28 and 29.

Where: Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown.

Times: 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

Tickets: $30 per person; can be ordered by calling 330-746-8712.

The program: In addition to the fashion show, there will be a tea-party luncheon with party favors, raffles and door prizes.

Feature: A grand raffle drawing will take place at the end of the Sunday 4 p.m. show. The winner need not be present. Tickets cost $5 each and can be obtained from any Kids’ Crew member or by calling the above number. First prize is a Rebecca prize package valued at $302, second prize is a Kit package valued at $214, and third prize is a McKenna doll valued at $105. For information: Visit www.akronchildrens.org/americangirlfashionshow.