What's so funny? How is healthy humor used in your life?

There's nothing funny about the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that all students meet state standards in reading and math by 2014. But funny things do happen to students and teachers at home and school in those endless rounds of practice tests and drills. AATH (The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor) wants to hear about it and are even giving prizes for the best essays at the AATH National conference that will be held in Panama City Beach, Florida from February 15-18, 2007.

What is AATH? AATH is an international association of professionals who use humor in their jobs to enhance work performance. Teachers have always known that humor is essential in their students' lives. By encouraging their classes to write their humor stories, teachers keep the world laughing and decrease stress... and students will improve their writing skills by leaving no laugh unrecorded.

What is this humor essay contest? (Who, What, When, Where , and Why)

WHO: Four categories *K-5 Elementary *6-8 Middle School *9-12 High School *Teachers

WHAT: Write an essay of any length (maximum 400 words) describing how humor has helped your life-how you used humor in a difficult situation, benefited from humor to cope with or solve a problem or how you applied humor in everyday life. You can illustrate using examples from home or school.

WHEN: Entries must be received by November 1, 2006.

WHERE: Additional information can be found at www.aath.org/student_essay.htm or the phone number or address listed below. The 2007 conference will be held in Panama City Beach from February 15-18.

WHY: Winners in this contest will receive $50, a humor kit filled with fun humor goodies, books for the school library, recognition by an international organization and media exposure. It's a great project for students wishing to add to their portfolio. Winners will have their essay published in the AATH newsletter, which is distributed all over the humor world.

HOW: All essays must be submitted with a completed entry form. Visit www.aath.org/student_essay.htm for additional information.

The contest is open to students and teachers from all over the world, but teachers and students in the Panama City Beach area have a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talents as the winners will be celebrated at the AATH 2007 Annual Conference, Integrating Compassionate Humor into Caring Communities held February 15-18, 2007, at The Bay Point Marriott Resort
4200 Marriott Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408