In celebration of its 30th anniversary, UNC Asheville's Atmospheric Sciences Department will host an essay contest for high school students this spring. Cash prizes and certificates will be awarded to the top three winners. The deadline is March 15.

Essays should be related to weather and climate, such as local weather phenomena, climate change or the impact of severe weather. Entries must be submitted in English, be 400-500 words and include an entry form. Essays will be judged by UNC Asheville faculty based on the merits of the essay, including originality, creativity, content, organization, quality of writing and completeness.

For complete contest guidelines or to download an entry form, click on www.atms.unca.edu.

For more information, contact UNC Asheville's Atmospheric Sciences Department at 828/251-6149 or lstrothe@unca.edu for more information.