The Fort Gordon Sergeants Major Association kicked off its annual scholarship award essay competition April 13. High school seniors who are interested in competing for the award can obtain a scholarship essay packet from Army Community Services located in Room 224, Darling Hall, or by logging onto

www.sergeantsmajor.com. Click on SMA Essay Competition to obtain an electronic copy of the essay packet. Print it out and follow the instructions.

In order to compete for the award, applicants must complete and mail in their essay no later than

May 31.

Applicants must be a high school senior and scheduled to graduate during the 2009 spring/ summer school year. Applicant's parents do not have to be affiliated with the military or with the Fort Gordon Sergeants Major Association.

For more information contact Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Washington at (706) 791-2519, Vanessa Stanley at (706) 791-3579 or retired Command Sgt. Maj. Al Steele at (706) 793-7762.