DAYTON — Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors has announced its ninth annual “My Home: The American Dream” Essay Contest.

Students in grades 2-8 can enter by explaining in their own words why the place they call home is special. Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors will award prizes to the most outstanding entries in three age groups.

This year there will be three grand prize winners awarded $500 each and six runner-up prize winners awarded $100 each. All essays submitted will be carefully read by multiple judges. Representatives of Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors will travel to each school to present awards to the winners of the contest. The grand prize winners will also be recognized at a Dayton Dragons baseball game.

Entries may be in the form of a written essay, narrated video, Power Point presentation, a series of photos with captions, comic strip, storyboard, or any other work that combines images and words.

Entries will be judged on creativity, originality and overall quality.

For a full list of rules and to download an entry form visit www.AmericanDreamContest.com. Entries must be postmarked by March 11.