top NBC journalist -- and the opportunity to read their essay in public.

The Tom Pettit Memorial Award has been set up to commemorate the only TV reporter to provide live coverage of the shooting of President John F.

Kennedy's assassin Lee Harvey Oswald.

Mr. Pettit, who retired to his home in Smith's Parish, died in December, 1995.

The competition is open to all secondary school students and the essay, entitled "Why Am I Thankful?'', must be written in 500 words or less.

Mr. Pettit's widow Patricia said: "I hope that students will pause and reflect on their everyday lives and say thank you for family, friends, freedom, education, community, culture, and whatever comes to mind when thinking `thank you'.'' The winning entry in the competition -- sponsored by the US Consulate and The Royal Gazette -- will be chosen by a panel of judges and will be printed in The Royal Gazette on November 26. The deadline for entries is Monday, November 17 at 4.30 p.m.

The winner will be presented with the cash prize and asked to read their essay during a Thanksgiving Day Service at St. Theresa's Cathedral the following day.

Further details and entry forms are available at all of the Island's high schools or by calling the American Consulate on 295-1342.