AVIATION EXPO FEATURES STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST
Winning Student and Class Get Private Luncheon with NASA Astronaut Honoree

(Van Nuys, CA)- School-age students in the San Fernando Valley and adjacent valley communities will soon have the opportunity to express themselves on the question of what they would choose to take from the past on a trip to the future. It’s all part of an essay contest open to students in conjunction with Van Nuys Airport Aviation Expo 2000.

In accordance with this year’s Aviation Expo theme, Then, Now and Beyond, one of the event’s honorees is NASA Astronaut Marsha S. Ivins, a veteran of four space shuttle missions. The grand prize winner and his/her class will be transported to a private luncheon with Ivins, granted an exclusive preview of arriving military aircraft and have an opportunity to meet top gun pilots. Additionally, a photo of the writer and his/her winning essay will be published in the Daily News Aviation Expo Special Section.

The contest is open to students in grades six through 12 throughout the greater San Fernando Valley, including Simi Valley, Conejo Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley, Burbank and Glendale. The deadline for entries is June 1, 2000, and winners will be notified by telephone. Essay entries of 500 words or less should be sent to: Joni C. Roan, Daily News in Education Manager, P.O. Box 4200, Woodland Hills, CA 91365-4200. For more information, call (818) 713-3199.

Van Nuys Airport Aviation Expo is a free family event on the weekend of June 24 and 25, featuring tremendous aerobatics by world-famous pilots, skydivers, a fly-over by the rarely seen B-2 Stealth Bomber, numerous military and vintage aircraft displays, special exhibits and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For event information only, call the Expo Hotline at (818) 773-3293.