There's still time to enter! The deadline for students to submit their entries into the 16th annual Animal Essay contest is 5 p.m. this Friday, January 13.

Each year, the contest regularly draws more than 1,000 entries. All students residing within Arlington city limits in third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades who attend public, private, or home school are encouraged to submit an original, thoughtful, and creative essay. The essay must be 500 words or less, focusing on multiple elements of effective writing.

Essay Topics:

• Grade 3: If you had wings, what animal or insect would you be and why?
• Grade 4: Our pets need food, water and shelter, but what more do they need?
• Grade 5: What things should be done to improve the lives of animals?
• Grade 6: In 2060 how will animal shelters be different than they are today?

Entries may be hand-delivered at three locations:

• Water Customer Service Desk at City Hall, 101 W. Abram Street (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday)
• South Service Center, 1100 SW Green Oaks Boulevard (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday)
• Animal Services Center, 1000 SE Green Oaks Boulevard (10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Friday)

Winners will be recognized during a regular meeting of the Arlington City Council on March 7, 2017.

• View the flyer for more details
• Visit the Animal Essay Contest Website