Kaplan/Newsweek Announce Judges for Annual Scholarship Competition

Deadline for Entry is March 1, 2002

New York (February 14, 2002)-Kaplan, Inc. and Newsweek magazine announced today a five-star judging panel for the 2002 "My Turn" Essay Competition, which includes: Ron Suskind, Anna Quindlen, Carol Weston, Pamela Hamer and Peter Johnson. The eighth annual competition gives high school students the opportunity to showcase their writing abilities and compete for academic scholarships. The deadline for entry is March 1, 2002. Entry forms and official rules are available online at www.kaptest.com/essay.

"Each year we have an outstanding judging panel that makes this one of the most prestigious essay competitions," said Jonathan Grayer, Kaplan CEO. "We are fortunate again to have a dedicated panel that consists of distinguished authors and journalists."

The judges are leaders in their field and bring the winning of this competition to a new level.

Ron Suskind is a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist (Feature Writing, Wall Street Journal 1995) and best-selling author of A Hope In the Unseen. He is a regular contributor to national magazines, network news and PBS.
Anna Quindlen is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, best-selling novelist and Newsweek columnist. Some of her works include, i>A Short Guide to a Happy Life and Black and Blue.
Carol Weston is an author of eight books including Girltalk and Melanie Martin Goes Dutch and a Girls' Life columnist
Pamela Hamer is senior researcher and coordinator of the Newsweek "My Turn" column.
Peter Johnson is a Columbia University senior associate director of admissions.
"Thinking and writing about critical issues is germane to a student's experience, and I welcome the opportunity to see what students today are thinking about in these critical times," said Mr. Suskind.

"Our goal is to honor the best and brightest of the nation's young writers," said Richard M. Smith, chairman and editor-in-chief of Newsweek. "We hope this contest will encourage students to develop their writing skills."

Students are asked to express opinions reflecting personal experiences that have shaped their lives in original 500-1,000-word essays. Past topics have included school prayer, the effects of war on families, the value of friendship and diversity.

Ten finalists will be selected, with the first place winner receiving a $5,000 scholarship, the second place winner receiving a $2,000 scholarship and eight additional winners receiving scholarships in the amount of $1,000. Ten honorable mentions will also be selected. The winning essay will be considered for publication in Newsweek magazine, and all the finalists' essays will be published on the Newsweek Education Program Web site, www.newsweekeducation.com. Winners will be announced in April.

Kaplan and Newsweek
Kaplan, Inc. (www.kaplan.com) is a premier provider of educational services for individuals, schools and businesses. Newsweek provides comprehensive coverage of national and international affairs, business, society, science and technology, and arts and entertainment. Kaplan and Newsweek are subsidiaries of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

Press Contact:

LaWanda Abel
voice: 212-974-2769
email: lawanda_abel@kaplan.com

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