Marion County high school juniors and seniors can enter a Florence Advance Lodge 114 essay contest to win a $100 scholarship that will be given to a student from each county high school.

Winners will then be entered in the 2019 state Masonic public school essay contest, which will give a total of $12,000 in scholarships.

“This year’s essays hinge on the idea that one of the basic tenets of Freemasonry is to be charitable and to impact one’s community through active engagement,” said Craig Olson of Advance Lodge.

High school English teachers and counselors have more information on the essay contest. Entries should be submitted to Advance Lodge 114, 417½ Main St., Florence, by Nov. 1.

First-place winners at each school will be awarded in December. Their essays will be sent to the state contest. Winners in that contest will be notified prior to March 1.