Essay, art contests open to military children Published Nov. 14, 2002 ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AFPN) -- The Armed Services YMCA seeks both artists and readers for two annual contests.Art Contest 2003, in its eighth year, seeks original artwork from children of military members in kindergarten through sixth grade depicting their active-duty, Reserve or Guard families. Top prizes are $500 U.S. Savings Bonds, and each winner's artwork is used on posters for next year's Military Family Month. Children of Defense Department and Coast Guard civilians may enter in an honorary category. The deadline for the contest is Jan. 27.With the goal of promoting reading among children, the seventh annual Armed Services YMCA Essay Contest is open to children in first through 12th grades, with prizes up to $1,000 bonds. Children of the armed services (active-duty, Reserve, Guard and retired), and civilian employees of the DOD and Coast Guard, can enter the contest. Essays can be on any subject related to reading. Deadline for entry is March 17.Full guidelines for the contests can be found on the Armed Services YMCA Web site or by e-mailing essaycontest@asymca.org, or by calling (703) 313-9600.