In honor of the men and women who have served in the military, the City of Oakley invites its youngest residents to celebrate their military heroes in writing.

The Military Hero Essay Contest is open to all K-12 students who reside in Oakley. There will be one winner in each of the following grade categories: K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Elementary students are invited to submit a picture with a caption, while middle and high school students are to submit a 300-500-word, typewritten essay.

Winners will be given the opportunity to read their essays on Veterans Day during Oakley’s observance ceremony on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Civic Center Plaza. First-prize winners will receive a certificate of recognition, a $50 cash prize and have their essays published in the Oakley Outreach, the City of Oakley’s weekly e-newsletter.

Contest submissions must be e-mailed to marquez@ci.oakley.ca.us by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2. Entry forms can be accessed at the City of Oakley’s website, www.ci.oakley.ca.us under the News & Events tab on the right of the screen.