As Mother’s Day approaches, the Journal-World is sponsoring an essay contest for youths under the age of 18. The topic: What makes your mom special?

There will be two winners: an elementary school student and a junior high or high school student.

The winners will receive a creative feature photo with their mom and a prize package. They also will be featured in the Journal-World on Mother’s Day.

Essay entries will be featured in a special section that will be published May 6. Essays should be 250 words or less.

Each entry must include the student’s name, school, grade, age, hometown, address, telephone number, mother’s first and last name and her hometown.

Entries should be e-mailed to clittle@ljworld.com or mailed to Lawrence Journal-World, Attn: Mom Essay Contest, 645 N.H., Lawrence 66044. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. April 23.

For more information about the contest, call Karrey Britt, assistant city editor, at 832-7190.