The contest, sponsored by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a great way to raise awareness about prevention of mosquito and tick borne diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

One 5th and 6th grade winner will be selected for those grades for each state from which qualified entries are received.

Students across the country are encouraged to help others learn ways to protect against tick and mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit through this contest.

Get hints on how to win, and learn the rules.

There will be two national grand prize winners, one from each grade. Each national winner will receive a wall plaque and a check for $1,000. Schools win too: State winners’ schools will receive $50 and National winners’ schools will receive $250!

Entries must be postmarked by or on April 18, 2012. For more information, and for an entry form, go to http://www.fightthebitecontest.org/.