Up to 10 winning students. $2,500 each in cash prizes. Reconnecting The Circle® announces its third National High School Essay Contest. Deadline is January 23, 2009.

This year’s essay question asks, “Why is it important to understand patriotism in Indian Country?” and prompts students to research Native American patriots, as well as explore their own American communities.

All high-school aged students (grades 9-12) from tribal, BIE, public, private and parochial schools from all 50 states are invited to participate. Up to 10 winners will each receive $2,500 in cash prizes.

The contest deadline is January 23, 2009. Contest details are posted on the Reconnecting The Circle (“RTC”) website: www.reconnectingthecircle.com.

RTC is in partnership with National Congress of American Indians, National Indian Education Association, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Boys and Girls Clubs in Indian Country, and Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma to promote the contest.