COLUMBIA - Entries are now being accepted for Champions of the Environment's 2007 Environmental Awareness Competition for Middle School Students, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has announced.

"This is a great opportunity for students to demonstrate their environmental knowledge and creativity," said Lynne LaSalle, coordinator for the Champions of the Environment program.

"Doing My Part For The Environment" is this year's theme. The annual event is designed for students in sixth through eighth grades to compete in any or all of the four divisions - poster, essay, photo and public service announcement.

Entries are due March 30. Winners will be announced at Champions' year-end celebration to be held at the State Museum on May 3.

Winners in each division receive a $300 savings bond, while second and third place entries receive $200 and $100 savings bonds, respectively.

Information, including division guidelines, is available online at www.scdhec.gov/ champions under Middle School Competition, or by contacting Lynne LaSalle at (803) 898-4394 or lasallli@ dhec.sc.gov.