SKOWHEGAN — The University of Maine Margaret Chase Smith Library in Skowhegan is accepting entries for its 16th annual Margaret Chase Smith Essay Contest for high school seniors.

In this year’s essays, the library invites Maine high school seniors to assess the current state of national affairs and describe their vision of the American Dream for the 21st century.

Entries are due April 2. Results will be announced May 1. The library will award the following prizes to the top eight essays: $500 for first place, $250 for second place, $125 for third place and $25 for each of five honorable mentions.

To submit entries or for more information about the contest, contact David Richards, Margaret Chase Smith Library, 56 Norridgewock Ave., Skowhegan, Maine, 04976, or call 474-7133, ext. 102.