The Dec. 15 deadline is approaching to enter the fourth annual TOGA Middle School Essay Contest.

The Tidewater Oyster Gardeners’ Association (TOGA) and People’s Community Bank have teamed up to offer prizes of $150, $100 and $50 for first, second and third places, respectively, for the top essays.

The theme of the essays is “Consider the Oyster”—a wide open category that must include an essay based on oysters. The competition is open to all Virginia sixth, seventh and eighth graders. Home-schooled students are welcome to enter.

Prizes will also include gear from outdoor sports businesses and supporting members of TOGA. Winners will be announced and awards presented at the TOGA annual membership meeting at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, Gloucester Point, on Jan. 13, 2018.

The winners’ parents, a mentor, or a teacher may be guests of TOGA for the presentation event. The winning entries will be read by the students at the awards program ...