The McCarthey Family Foundation is sponsoring a journalism essay contest for Utah college students in conjunction with its annual lecture, which will feature human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Ingrid Betancourt.

Betancourt was captured by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia guerillas as she campaigned for the Colombian presidency in 2002. She and 14 other hostages were released in a rescue by the Colombian army in 2008. Betancourt will speak Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. about the role journalists played during her captivity, release and return to society. The event, free and open to the public, will be at Rowland Hall St. Mark's lower campus, 720 Guardsman Way, Salt Lake City.

Utah college students are also invited to write essays of 500 words or less, typed and double spaced, on the topic, "How might a journalist's reporting affect the outcome of a hostage situation: risks, rewards and responsibilities?" The winner will get $2,500, the essay printed in the program, and two reserved front row seats to the lecture.

Entries must include the student's name, phone number, e-mail address, and name and department of the college where the student is enrolled. Entries must be postmarked no later than Sept. 10 and should be sent to Essay Competition, c/o MKL Public Relations,, P.O. Box 58 1198, Salt Lake City, UT 84158-1198.

The essay competition jury will be chaired by Sarah J. McCarthey, a professor at the University of Illinois, and jury members will include current and former Utah journalists. For more information call 801-209-3029 or e-mail mkl@mklpr.com.