SALEM – Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown is asking Oregon teachers to encourage their students to submit essays to be included in the 2015-16 Oregon Blue Book.

Secretary Brown would like to engage Oregon’s elementary, middle and high school students with the following essay questions:

For elementary school students: Why do you like living in Oregon? (75-150 words)

For middle school students: Where is your favorite place to visit in Oregon and why? (100-200 words)

For high school students: You have a friend who doesn’t live in Oregon and is coming to visit. Write to them and tell them what part of the state you will take them to and why. (150-250 words)

The top essays from each category will be selected for the 2015-16 Oregon Blue Book, which will be published in March 2015.

The deadline to mail submissions is Oct. 6.

Submissions should include the student’s name, grade, teacher’s name and school name and address. Mail the information along with the essay to:

Editor, Oregon Blue Book

Oregon State Archives

800 Summer Street NE

Salem, OR 97310

Julie.a.yamaka@state.or.us