STORY TIPS This and every University Communications news release is available on the Internet and World Wide Web. Our Web address is www.acs.ohio-state.edu. UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS MAXIMUS COMPETITION--Feb. 27-28. About half of the top 1,000 applicants for next fall’s freshman class will come to campus to compete in an essay contest to determine recipients of 120 prestigious four-year merit scholarships. This is the final weekend for the competition. In addition to the two-hour morning exam (10 a.m.-noon), students may meet with faculty, hear an academic presentation, and tour Honors House and Honors housing. There are also programs for parents and guardians. The top 10 finalists will receive “full-ride” Presidential Scholarships, the next 30 will receive Medalist Scholarships (equal to full in-state tuition), and the next 80 will receive Tradition Scholarships (equal to one-half of in-state tuition). Most events are in the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St., 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Check at the “Help Desk” (Main Lounge in morning, West Ballroom in afternoon) for information. CONTACT: Nina Hoppes, University Honors Center, 292-3135; or Ruth Gerstner, University Communications, 292-8424. WANTED: A CAT IN THE HAT AND GREEN EGGS AND HAM--Mar. 2-6. Marking the March 2 birthdate of children’s author Dr. Seuss, the Office of Student Activities and Project Community are sponsoring the Read Across America Dr. Seuss Book Drive. Student volunteers will collect children’s books (not just Dr. Seuss’) and hold readings to promote children’s literacy. Books may be donated Monday (3/2) through Thursday (3/5) at Project Community, 104 E. 15th Ave; Hillel, 46 E. 16th Ave.; Larkins Hall, 337 W. 17th Ave.; Long's Bookstore, 1836 N. High St.; Student Book Exchange, 1806 N. High St.; and the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. On Friday (3/6), student volunteers will read to youngsters at several sites--including the University Child Care Center, 725 Ackerman Rd.; Livingstone Elementary School, 744 Heyl Ave.; and Colerain School, 499 E. Weisheimer Rd. CONTACT: Ellen Kauffmann, student activities, 292-8763. (SHHHHH!) SISSON TO SURPRISE AWARD-WINNING FACULTY--Interim President Richard Sisson will drop in unannounced on unsuspecting faculty members during the next two weeks to notify them that they’ve won one of the three highest awards that faculty can receive at Ohio State. Sisson will interrupt classes or meetings to present an apple and his congratulations to winners of the 1998 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Distinguished Scholar Award and the Faculty Award for Distinguished University Service. The awards recognize superior teaching, exceptional scholarly accomplishments and contributions to development of policies and programs. Reporters are invited to accompany Sisson on one or more of these visits. To preserve the surprise element, we ask that you call Emily Caldwell (292-8309), Ruth Gerstner (292-8424) or Amy Murray (292-8385), in the Office of University Communications, to discuss the schedule and meeting places. MISS AMERICA DISCUSSES AIDS PREVENTION--Mar. 3. Katherine Shindle, 1998 Miss America and national HIV/AIDS advocate, will present On the Way to a Cure: Preventing HIV Transmission in America at noon Tuesday (3/3), in the Ohio Union Ballroom, 1739 N. High St. Shindle is on a national speaking tour to educate students and the public about HIV and AIDS. Community organizations including the Columbus AIDS Task Force, AIDSWalk '98 and Project Open Hand, and Home Access Health Corporation (maker of HIV at-home tests), will also be there to answer questions. Shindle will be available for interviews in the ballroom beginning at 1:30 p.m., directly following her presentation. CONTACT: Teresa Fournier, 292-2732; or Jason Sigala, 292-7671; Dept. of Recreational Sports. LAW STUDENTS OFFER FREE INCOME TAX HELP--Mar 3-April 14. Taxpayers on low or fixed incomes, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly can receive free assistance with basic federal and state tax returns throughout the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Ohio State. Law students offer their skills from 5-9 p.m. each Tuesday at the College of Law, 55 W. 12th Ave. Taxpayers must bring their 1997 tax forms, 1997 income, deduction and credit information, and 1996 tax returns. CONTACT: Liz Cutler Gates, College of Law, 292-0238. BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETS--Mar. 6.The Board of Trustees will hold its regular March meeting at 10:45 a.m. in the Fawcett Center, 2400 Olentangy River Road. Committee meetings, where most of the discussion takes place, begin at 9 a.m. CONTACT: Emily Caldwell, University Communications, 292-8309. The person listed as the contact for each item will have the best information about the story. However, feel free to call on our news services staff for assistance with these or other Ohio State news stories-- Amy Murray, 292-8385; Ruth Gerstner, 292-8424; Tracy Turner, 688- 3682; and Emily Caldwell, 292-8309. Compiled by Amy Murray, University Communications, (Murray- Goedde.1@osu.edu).