As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, the Gazette-Journal is asking local students what this nation, and its anniversary, means to them.

In the “250 for 250” essay contest, Gloucester and Mathews students in grades 8-12 are being asked to submit an essay of 250 words or less about what the 250th anniversary of the United States means to them.

Entries will be judged by local historians in the two counties with the top prize receiving (fittingly enough) $250. Second and third places will receive $75 and $50, respectively, with judges also selecting honorable mention.

Essays will be included in the paper’s upcoming 250th anniversary section, coming out on July 2.

The contest is open to public, private and homeschooled students. Family members of Gazette-Journal employees are not eligible for prizes; however, they are welcome to submit their essays for inclusion in the paper.

Entries must be submitted no later than Monday, June 1 in order to be considered for this contest. Please submit entries by that date either to editor@gazettejournal.net or mailed to the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal, P.O. Box 2060, Gloucester, Va. 23061. Please include the author’s name, a contact phone number and mailing address.