Insight College Prep Centers is holding its first annual creative writing contest, "Musings of the Mind's Eye." The purpose of the contest is to encourage high school students to spend time exploring the realm of fiction writing, especially if they have not had the chance to write creatively at their own high schools, says prep center founder Jennifer Wang.

The contest is open to high school students living in Willow Glen and various nearby cities. The contest's theme is "Vision," and it will run through April 15.

Entries must be short stories no longer than 1,500 words, double spaced, typed, and accompanied by an application, which can be printed out from www.insightcollege.com.

Writers should submit two copies of their story, both with a cover page stating the title of the story, the word count and the student's grade level. The author's name should not be included in order to ensure that the judging is anonymous. The author's name should only be on the application entry form.

The first place prize is a $25 gift certificate to Books Inc. The second place prize is a $50 gift certificate to Insight College Prep Centers, and third place is a Kepler's book prize.

All applicants are invited to a reception, currently planned for May 27 at 7 p.m. at the Books Inc. in Mountain View, located at 301 Castro St.

The judging will be done on a 5-point scale for creativity, impact, style, voice, depth, theme, writing skill and story topic.

For more information about the creative writing contest or about Insight, call 408.252.5050.

—Amy Jenkins


Presentation plans annual fashion show

To raise money for Presentation High School's Work Scholarship Program, which enables qualified students to receive financial aid, the school will hold a fashion show on March 28 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center Ballroom, 408 S. Almaden Blvd.

The 37th annual Presentation High School Scholarship Benefit Fashion Show features models that are students, faculty, staff, alumnae, parents and male students from area high schools. They will model the latest fashions from various retailers, including Aeropostale, Coldwater Creek, Eddie Bauer and Barbarella.

Last year's fashion show contributed more than $50,000 to the school's financial aid fund.

This year a luncheon show was added; the cost is $75 per ticket. The dinner tickets are $125 per person, and the evening event, which is black tie optional, will include dancing and the music of David Ladd's Downtown Allstars.

For more information about the event, call the Presentation High School Development Office at 408.264.5110.

—Amy Jenkins