Today, the Bill of Rights Institute (a Virginia based non-profit) announced that Washington Wizards’ star, Antawn Jamison, will join their efforts to inspire high school students to participate in their “Being an American” essay contest.

Jamison, who actively uses his time to inspire those around him, including working with the less fortunate through his own “A Better Tomorrow” campaign, will serve as a spokesperson for the 2008-2009 contest, currently underway across the country. He’ll also be starring in audio and video public service announcements (PSA) to help promote the contest to high school students.

“It’s important for kids to think about what being a good citizen means to them – what being an American means to them. For me, it’s about making our communities better places to live and work,” says Jamison. “I hope that the essay contest inspires students to think about how important it is to be active and engaged citizens.”

Victoria Hughes, Bill of Rights Institute Presidents says, “We are proud to have Antawn serve as spokesman for the essay contest. His work with children across the country and his commitment to community is inspiring. He’s a great role model for students to talk about the civic values that unite us as Americans.”

The “Being an American” Essay Contest asks high school students “What civic value do you believe is most essential to being an American?” The contest is, for the first time, open to high school students across the country and offers cash prizes totaling more than $189,000 to both students and their teachers. Regional top prize winners and their teachers also receive all-expenses paid trips to the nation’s capital. Jamison has been invited to deliver remarks at the Being an American welcome breakfast for the winning students and teachers on Monday, March 30 in Washington, DC.

For additional contest details, visit www.BeingAnAmerican.org.