Memorial Thanksgiving essay competition.

Organisers at the US Consulate revealed that 180 competitors have submitted pieces, up 40 from last year. Open to all secondary school students, the competition received a boost this year when NBC News Anchorman Tom Brokaw did a public service announcement urging students to take part. Tom Pettit was an Emmy award winning television journalist for 40 years who retired to Bermuda.

The Tom Pettit Award for excellence in writing was established in 1997 by Patricia Pettit, the journalist's widow who still resides on the Island. Cash prizes totaling $5,000 for both the winners and their schools are in the offing. Winners will be announced on November 23.

TELEVISION TV AWARD AWD