Football, holidays, shopping, enjoying comfort foods and snuggling up for a night of television are some of the activities atop the list for enjoying the winter season.

As a corporate citizen dedicated to bettering the communities we serve, Jackson EMC looks forward to this competition that applauds the commitment and accomplishments of young citizens actively working to better their communities.

A competition designed to select the student who exemplifies community service and volunteerism at its best, the Jackson EMC Youth Citizenship Award offers a scholarship and the trip of a lifetime.

The Youth Citizenship Award winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship, a $1,000 grant to the civic organization of his or her choice and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., to learn more about leadership and civic involvement on the Washington Youth Tour.

• Submit a complete application
• Have a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average
• Be a junior or senior in high school, and 16 years old by June 16, 2005 • Attend a high school in Jackson EMC's service territory (student does not have to be a member)
• Present a letter of recommendation from a club/organization sponsor where you have volunteered
• Students cannot be enrolled in college or taking college courses in the summer of 2005
• Students must not have any scheduling conflicts during the Youth Tour dates
• Students may volunteer in the community through school organizations, a church or civic organization where bettering the community is a key part of the organization's mission.

All complete application packets will be reviewed. Of those applications, five finalists will be selected and enter the second round of competition. The finalists will then go before a panel and undergo an interview process to determine the winner.

The Youth Tour will be held June 16-23, 2005. Applicants must be sure other activities or events don't interfere with the Tour dates if he or she is selected.

Your application and letter of recommendation are due at the Jackson EMC Corporate office in Jefferson no later than 4 p.m., Friday, January 28, 2005. For more information or questions, please contact Kay Parks at kparks@jacksonemc.com or 706-367-6122.