LEWISTON – As part of the “L-A – It’s Happening Here!” community awareness campaign, the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council is launching a scholarship contest for high school students who have a flare for writing or photography.

The council is inviting juniors and seniors who attend high school in Lewiston or Auburn or are home-schooled equivalent to submit either a photograph, poem or essay depicting what makes L-A a “happening” community.

Is there a unique place or event that makes this community stand out? What are the most happening places to eat? Shop? Hang out? If you’re a high school junior or senior, contest organizers want to know.

Two grand prize winners – one for photography, the other for essay-writing or poetry – will each receive a $2,500 scholarship; two first-place winners will each win a computer system; and two second-place winners will receive their choice of an iPhone or a digital camera.

Participation is free, and students must submit their work and an entry form to be eligible. Entries will be judged by an independent panel of experts consisting of professional photographers, writers and a representative of L/A Arts. Winners will be announced in the spring. Deadline for submission is March 15.

For a copy of the contest rules and an entry form, visit www.laitshappeninghere.com or call the growth council at 784-0161. Send entries to: Contest, Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, PO Box 1188, Lewiston, ME 04243-1188. Digital photos are acceptable on diskette or CD, but must also be accompanied by an actual photograph or typewritten essay or poem.

The first 100 entrants will receive a free “It’s Happening Here!” T-shirt and an opportunity to have their work featured on the WGME-13 and It’s Happening Here! Web sites. Winning entries will also be featured in an upcoming exhibit at Gallery 5 in Lewiston, as well as in a future television commercial on WGME-13.