First prize: Marissa Eby, Junior Accounting Major, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Second prize: Tarah Moore, Senior Computer Forensics Major, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Third prize: Robert Mark, Junior Finance Major, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

• Brenna Bonfiglio, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Michael Cox, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Nora Gibbons, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Alfred J. Lanza, Jr., Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Kendyl Rice, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Trisha Temple, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Brad Weltmer, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

We only received one entry in the high school category. As a result, there was no contest at this level. However, in recognition of his interest in Freedom of Information and open government, the judges awarded a $50 honorarium to our one entrant. Congratulations are in order to:

• Brandon Stanton, Honesdale High School

Due to a consistantly low number of entries, this will be the last year for a high school category. However, if you are a university student, check back here in the Fall 2009 semester for next year's writing prompt.

Write 600-700 words on the following topic: New president called on to provide government information

Before and after the November 2008 election, there were calls for the new president to make Freedom of Information a top priority in the new administration.  "Over the past several years, the release and disclosure of government information, whether it be health, safety, environmental, financial, or national security information, has taken a backseat to misguided homeland security policies and efforts to protect special interests,” one critic claims. 

Pretend that you are advising the new president.  What government information would you make available?  How would you balance national security against an open government?  Please address both questions in your essay. 

In crafting your essay, you may want to consult the following sources:

• Transparency Recommendations for the Next President
• Report Card on Agency Media Policies
• Presiding with Principle: Restoring Good Governance in the U.S. Executive Branch

Download a copy of the Contest Flyer here (PDF)

Prizes:

• 1st Prize: $250 and your essay published in The Press Enterprise (Bloomsburg, PA newspaper) during Sunshine Week (March 15-21, 2009)
• 2nd Prize: $150
• 3rd Prize: $100
• All three essays will also be submitted to the Sunshine Week website (sunshineweek.org) for possible use in any newspaper.
• Cash prizes are being provided by the Society of Professional Journalists, Keystone Pro Chapter.

Contest rules:

1. Deadline for submission is Monday, February 9, 2009. Essays must be received by this date (it is not a postmark date). Essays received after this date will be disqualified. Submit three copies of your essay to: Katie Yelinek, Andruss Library 235, Bloomsburg University, 400 East Second Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.
2. Essays should be typed, double-spaced, in a standard 12-point font with 1-inch to 1.5-inch margins.
3. University students: Include a cover sheet with your name, your category (University student), the name of your university, your phone number, your mailing address, and your email address with your submission. Do not include your name on the actual essay. You must also include a signed waiver form (click here to download one as a PDF). Essays without this waiver form will be disqualitied.
4. High school students: Include a cover sheet with your name, your category (High school student), the name of your school, your phone number, your mailing address, and your email address with your essay. Do not include your name on the actual essay. You must also include a signed waiver form (click here to download one as a PDF). Essays received without this waiver form will be disqualified.
5. You must be a student attending a high school or university within Pennsylvania to enter the contest.
6. University student essays will be judged separately from high school student essays. Prizes will be awarded separately in each category. You may enter in only one category.
7. Winners will be asked to provide a digital photograph of themselves to be posted on this website and published in The Press Enterprise.
8. Winning essays may be edited prior to publication.
9. Entrants' contact information will not be published.
10. The decision of the judges will be final.
11. Questions? Contact Katie Yelinek, Government Documents Librarian at Bloomsburg University, at kyelinek@bloomu.edu.

Other links:

• Sunshine Week: http://sunshineweek.org/
• The Andruss Library Government Documents Unit: http://library.bloomu.edu/pages/govinfo/
• The Press Enterprise: http://www.pressenterpriseonline.com/
• The Society of Professional Journalists: http://www.spj.org