Two ways to win your own American Girl Doll

Grace’s story: Each American Girl Doll comes with its own book telling the doll’s story about how she successfully dealt with a challenge in her life. American Girl describes Grace as an enthusiastic girl who loves to bake with friends and invent new recipes. Then a trip to Paris inspires her to try new things — including turning her passion for baking into a business.

OPTION #2 — THE DRAWING

Who can enter: If you don’t qualify for the writing contest, The Vindicator also will be giving those who are 18 or older a chance to call in and enter a drawing for a doll.

Her story: Samantha is one of American Girl’s historical characters whose story is set in 1904, and is a compassionate girl who reaches out to friends in need.

How to enter: Call 877-561-5224 from Feb. 1 - 28, with the winner contacted March 2.

The Vindicator is conducting both an essay contest and a drawing as two opportunities to win an American Girl Doll.

Both are taking place in conjunction with the upcoming American Girl Fashion Show presented by Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.

OPTION #1 — THE ESSAY CONTEST

Prize: The young participants will have a chance to win their very own Grace doll, which is American Girl’s 2015 Girl of the Year.

How to enter: Local girls 8 to 12 years old are welcome to submit a brief essay using 100 words or fewer. Each girl is asked to tell us about her own her dreams and goals for her future.

Mail your entry to: The Vindicator, Attn.: Barb Shaffer, Society/Features Editor, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown, OH 44501.

Email your entry to: society@vindy.com.

Deadline: Friday, Feb. 20. Entries must include the girl’s name, age, city of residence and telephone number.

The winner will be notified Monday, Feb. 23, and her picture and winning entry will appear in The Vindicator and will be posted online at www.vindy.com on Sunday, March 1.

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. A parent’s email address is required to receive their tickets.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN GIRL FASHION SHOW

When: March 7 and 8

Where: Antone’s Banquet Center, 8578 Market St., Boardman

Times: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day

Tickets/guest modeling: Beginning Feb. 4, call 330-746-8712 to order tickets or to register for guest modeling.

Guest models availability is limited to 10 per show, Tickets for the show are $30 per person.

More info: akronchildrens.org/americangirlfashionshow