The Fountain Hills Coalition is set to kick off the fifth annual essay contest for all local high school students, running from Jan. 3-27.

Entry forms and contest rules will be available in all Fountain Hills High School English classrooms, as well as the Fountain Hills Branch Library. The deadline to drop off entries is Jan. 27.

Prizes for this year’s essay contest include $1,000 for first place, $300 for second place and $100 for third.

Interested students are encouraged to write an essay of 750 words or less on one of the following topics:

*What is one thing you can do to improve how you get along with someone after resolving a conflict?

*What is one thing that our newly elected U.S. President could do that would benefit people your age?

*What key element is necessary to create a strong friendship?

Awards for this year’s contest were funded in part by Gold Level sponsors ONQ Financial-Kent Martinson, The Fountain Hills Times, Tait D. Elkie -Fountain Hills Law Firm, Stop & Go Driving School, Christopher Peer CPA, Dr. Dana Weinreich DDS, The Hills’ Pizza & Desserts, Stephenie-Sami Fine Jewelry, Dori Wittrig of Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate, Thrivent Financial and Silver Level sponsors UMB and Go Divas Salon.