MIDDLETOWN, NJ -- High school juniors and seniors who live in Middletown are invited to submit essays about their local government for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship in the 2012 Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition.

The scholarship is offered through a joint venture between local mayors and the New Jersey League of Municipalities. The contest is open to any high school junior or senior who lives in Middletown. Each student must write an approximately 500-word essay on the theme, “What My Mayor and Governing Body Do Best,” to be included in the contest. The theme is chosen by the state League of Municipalities, said Mayor Anthony P. Fiore.

All essays must be received by March 9, 2012. Middletown will select one essay to forward to the League of Municipalities in Trenton as a semi-finalist. The League of Municipalities will then choose fifteen finalists and 3 scholarships winners. Winners will be announced in May. Winning essays will be featured in the New Jersey Municipalities magazine.

Applications are available at area schools, Mayor Fiore’s office, located at Town Hall, and at www.middletownnj.org. For more information, students should check with their high school or call the Mayor’s office at (732) 615-2024.