The deadline for entries in the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association middle school essay contest deadline is Thursday, Dec. 15. Association Chairman Terry Lewis tenns the Southside Sentinel the essay shouls be about the value of oysters to the Bay and this whole area. Prizes of $500, $250 and $100 will be awarded for first, second and third places plus a $200 prie will go to the school of the top entry. Submissions can be made online at oystergardener.org.