The California Arts Council and the Ventura County Arts Council are holding a short story contest for all Ventura County high school juniors.

Students are invited to write a short story based on an event or time in their lives where their emotions were clear to them and they thought "I need to remember this." Entries may be about any topic or emotion and must have a beginning, middle and end. The goal is to express a complete experience through writing.

Stories will be judged for their ability to evoke a personal experience and depth of feeling, as well as on personal style.

Deadline for submission is Wed., June 2.

Winners will be announced in September. Each winner will receive a $500 monetary award, and each winner's school will win $500 for its library.

For more information, visit www.cac.gov.