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JUNEAU - Alaska Airlines is inviting school-age children throughout the state to enter its "Paint the Plane" contest to create artwork to adorn an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-400 jet in honor of the state's 50th anniversary in 2009.

Students in grades kindergarten through 12 from public, private and home schools in the state of Alaska can submit designs that best capture the theme of "The Spirit of Alaska." A final selection panel comprised of artists and other dignitaries from throughout Alaska will select the winning design, which will be revealed Jan. 3, 2009, the date commemorating Alaska's statehood.

The student with the winning design, as well as a finalist from each grade level, will receive a trip to Disneyland Resort. In all, 13 trips for four to Disneyland Resort - including round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations and tickets to the park - will be awarded.

A dedicated Web site, www.painttheplane.com, provides contest rules, instructions and entry forms required to participate. Entry forms are available in community newspapers throughout the state, at schools and at community libraries. For more information, contact Caroline Boren or Marianne Lindsey, with Alaska Airlines, at 206-392-5101.