Bismarck, N.D. – The deadline for the National Guard's Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous essay contest has been extended to April 2, 2006.  The original essay deadline was February 28.

      “In order to provide this unique opportunity to a maximum number of students, we have decided to extend the deadline.  The Youth Rendezvous team has recently received many requests for information from high school educators across the country.  Extending the deadline will ensure that all students who would like to participate get a chance to submit their essay,” said Maj. Gen. Michael J. Haugen, the Adjutant General of North Dakota.

      Students who will be high school juniors or seniors by August 2006 are eligible to participate in the essay contest.  Ten students from each state and territory will be involved in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and earn an all-expenses-paid trip to North Dakota August 13-18, 2006.

      “This is an educational opportunity to learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and characters like Sakakawea and York who helped make the journey successful.   The essay contest is an opportunity for students to compete for one of the 540 spots in this immersion into history.  The Lewis and Clark Expedition will come alive through a week-long series of events and activities in western North Dakota,” said Davina French, North Dakota's team leader for the event.

      Students need to write a Lewis and Clark focused-essay in order to be a finalist. Through multiple activities and events, selected students will follow the Lewis and Clark trail, experience American Indian culture of yesterday and discover military history firsthand.

      The Lewis and Clark-focused essay needs to address the following question:
"In your opinion, what military value most describes the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery journey and why?”  (Military values are outlined on the website below.)  The essay must be a minimum of 1,000 words, but not more than 1,500 words; and can be submitted online or by mail and must be received or postmarked before midnight April 2, 2006.

      The hands-on activities and events will take place throughout western North Dakota . The adventure will showcase daily activities of the original Lewis and Clark expedition that will create a unique educational opportunity.   To submit an essay or learn more about planned events, activities and essay contest rules, go to www.lcyouthrendezvous.com.