JAY-Z REWARDS STUDENTS' SCHOOL SPIRIT

Rapper JAY-Z has thrilled six students by awarding them $5000 (GBP2,800) each for their essays on school spirit. The rapper, real name SHAWN CARTER, is a part-owner of the New Jersey Nets basketball team and launched the contest as part of a rivalry with Charlotte, North Carolina Bobcats owner ROBERT JOHNSON. Last December (05), the two professional basketball teams played each other and raced to the 80-point mark. The owner of the team that hit it last, which turned out to be Jay-Z's team, agreed to donate the $30,000 (GBP17,000) prize. The six students from three schools in New York state and three schools in New Jersey won the prizes out of a field of 700 essay entries. Jay-Z says, "It was great to see the students' school spirit in their essays. They showed they want a well-rounded education in a comfortable environment. "I hope that these donations help them to achieve their goals." The money will be used to fund projects at each school.