ASH Essay Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, October 9, 1995

Children Asked to Tell Clinton and FDA Why Cigarettes Should be Regulated. Prizes, Certificates, and Novel Cast of Judges Makes Rulemaking Interesting. Children from 4 to 16 have a chance to help influence national policy, and an opportunity to both win a prize and get a personalized certificate showing that their submission is on file with a major government agency. A unique contest asks them to write a letter telling the President and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) why the agency should adopt its current proposal to crack down on the sale and promotion of cigarettes to young people. Winners in each category receive a $1000 prize, and every entrant can get a personalized certificate showing that his or her submission has been officially filed with the FDA as part of its rulemaking proceeding on this proposal. Teachers, scoutmasters, health organizations, and others who work with kids are being asked to have an entire class, troop, or other youth group submit entries _ in which case the adult also receives a certificate, as well as teaching materials about the problems of smoking. Contest judges include:

  • STEVE ALLEN, comedian and author of "The Passionate Nonsmokers Bill of Rights
  • "JOHNNY B. BADD," the most outrageous wrestler in World Championship Wrestling history, and former U.S. boxing team member
  • MELISSA JOAN HART, actress currently starring in the top-rated Nickelodeon children's series "Clarissa Explains It All"
  • RICHARD MARX, anti-smoking advocate and critically acclaimed singer/songwriter of hits, including the single "Now and Forever"
  • DIANE DISNEY MILLER, Secretary of the American Cancer Society Foundation Board, and daughter of the late Walt Disney, who died of lung cancer
  • MIKE PELUSO, NHL player and left wing of the 1995 Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils
  • LOUIS W. SULLIVAN, M.D., former Secretary of Health & Human Services, and Trustee of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)

    The contest is sponsored by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the national non-profit tax-exempt organization largely responsible for the FDA's proposal, as well as the ban on cigarette commercials and airplane smoking. Contest rules, which the public may obtain by calling (800) 4-ASH-ACTION [800-427-4228], are as follows:

    To enter the contest, children are being asked to:

    (1) Write a short 1-page letter to the President, telling him in the child's own words and based on the child's own experience, why he should go ahead with his plans to have the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) help protect children from becoming smokers. The FDA proposal includes requiring people to show identification to prove they are old enough to buy cigarettes, to no longer allow the sale of cigarettes through vending machines, and to limit cigarette ads which impact children, such as Joe Camel.
    (2) Each letter must be no more than 200 words long and fit on one side of an 8« X 11 page. Include at the top of the page the full name and complete address (including Zip code) of the child, as well as his or her age as of September 1, 1995.
    (3) Retain a copy of the letter, and send the original to ASH-CONTEST, 2013 H St., N.W., Wash. D.C. 20006. All letters will be delivered to the White House and then placed in the official FDA file for the rule-making proceeding where they will be used to determine whether the FDA's plans to protect children should be carried out.
    (4) The FDA's final decision will be reported in all major newspapers and on TV. All entries to ASH must be postmarked by Oct. 31, 1995.
    (5) There is no fee or other obligation to enter the contest. However, if children wish to receive a personalized certificate containing their name and attesting that his or her letter was placed in the official FDA file about this matter, include a check in the amount of five dollars ($5) made payable to "ASH" to cover the costs of preparing and mailing the certificate.
    (6) Teachers, scout masters, other adult leaders and health organizations who submit 20 or more entries together in one envelope will receive a complimentary individualized certificate of appreciation together with special teaching materials about smoking and the FDA's decision-making process.
    (7) A prize of $1000 will be awarded for the best letter in each of 3 age categories: 4-8, 9-12, and 13-16. Entrants agree that the decision of the judges is final. The names of the winners will be published in the "ASH Smoking and Health Review."
    (8) This contest is sponsored by Action on Smoking and Health in cooperation with the James Hervey Johnson Charitable Educational Trust. The contest and offer are void where prohibited by law. ASH employees and their families are not eligible to enter.

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