Five local finalists, chosen Monday in the Young Columbus competition, move one step closer to an all-expense-paid trip to England.

The Young Columbus competition was open to students in grades seven through 12 who had a class with a Southeast Missourian Newspapers In Education teacher.

Each participating school selected two essay winners to advance as semi-finalists in the contest.

Finalists are Crystal R. Rhodes, Woodland R-4; Jennie Lukens and Takara Stanley, Cape Girardeau Central High School; Erik Morse, L.J. Schultz; and Pamela Cook, Fredericktown.

The five finalists were selected based on an essay, "What is the most urgent problem facing America today?" The essay judging panel consisted of two newspaper reporters, two community leaders and two educators.

The five finalists each receive a three month summer subscription to the Southeast Missourian.

They also advance to the second round of the contest, a current events competition. The current events bowl, originally scheduled Jan. 16, will be held Jan. 23.

Students will answer questions on current affairs from issues of the Southeast Missourian between Jan. 15 and 21. The winner of the current events bowl will win the trip to England.

The Young Columbus Program has been coordinated through Parade magazine since 1956.

The Southeast Missourian is paying for the local winner's trip.

On April 13-22, 150 students from across the country will visit London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, Cambridge and Coventry.

Nine semifinalists from five schools competed in the essay contest. Semifinalists who did not advance were Rachel Seabaugh, Woodland R-4; Patrick Dunham, L.J. Schultz; Jaclyn Schremp and Paul Weinkein, both of Perryville Junior High School.