DATE:     9/24/97
CONTACT:  Sarah Dubose, 864/656-4049 
WRITER:   Bill Baker, 864/656-3876 

1997 S.C. 4-H Fire Safety Contest 
Offers Students $1,200 In Prizes 
 
     CLEMSON -- South Carolina elementary and high school
students can compete for $1,200 in cash prizes in the 1997 4-H
Fire Safety Contest. 
     The art and writing contest is part of a statewide effort to
make young people more aware of fire safety issues, said Sarah
DuBose, fire education coordinator for the Clemson University 
Cooperative Extension Service. 
     The contest is open to students in grades K-12 and will be
judged at both county and state levels. First and second place
winners will be selected in both poster art and creative writing.
Winners will be chosen in each of four grade groups -- K through
two, three through five, six through eight, and nine through 12. 
     "Contestants will write essays and make posters based on the
theme, "Know When to Go! React Fast to Fire!" DuBose said.
     All entries must be submitted to your county Clemson
Extension office by Oct. 10.   
     Prize money totaling $1,200 will be distributed among 16
state winners. In addition, teachers of all state winners will
receive $50 for classroom activities. First place winners'
schools will receive a trophy. 
     Winners will be recognized during a December awards ceremony
held on the Clemson University campus. Winning entries will be
displayed throughout the state.      
     The contest is sponsored by Clemson Extension, Independent
Insurance Agents of South Carolina, the S.C. State Firemen's
Association and the S.C. Farm Bureau Insurance Companies. 
     For more information about the contest or about Clemson
Extension fire safety education programs, contact your county
Extension office.  
                             END