Chicago, IL (December 11, 2006)—At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, five finalists of the 2006 Celebrate America Creative Writing Contest, sponsored by the American Immigration Law Foundation and the Chicago chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, will be honored in a ceremony at the Union League Club, 65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago.

A total of 1,850 fifth grade students from across Chicago, including those from 24 Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools, participated in the contest and submitted essays on the topic: "Why I Am Glad America is a Nation of Immigrants."

Most Rev. Francis J. Kane, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, will act as Master of Ceremonies for this event, and will deliver a keynote address on America’s history and legacy as a nation of immigrants.

The five finalists will be recognized and receive prizes including Chicago Bulls tickets and Motorola walkie-talkies. The highest rated essay will then be selected, and read aloud by the winning author. The top essayist’s teacher will also be recognized and receive a $250 check to be used for classroom improvements.

Three of the five finalists, Alexis Gable (St. Rene Goupil, 6340 S. New England), Ben Groselak (Sts. Cyril and Methodius, 607 Sobieski St., Lemont) and Joseph Okelman (Our Lady of the Ridge, 10859 S. Ridgeland, Chicago Ridge) are enrolled in Archdiocese of Chicago elementary schools.

The winning composition will be entered, along with 99 other regional entries from across the country, into a competition to choose a national winner who will earn a June 2007 trip for four to Orlando, FL.

A holiday reception will follow the awards ceremony.