April 12, 2008

9,701,862: The number of children younger than 18 who live in California, according to the Every Child Matters Education Fund. In 2006, the fund notes on its Web site (everychildmatters.org), 1,697,024 of those children were living in poverty and 1,225,000 had no health insurance.

DIDJA KNOW?

Mira Mesa High School is celebrating victory in the “Win the Ultimate Prom” contest, sponsored by Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. The university recognized that the prom is a costly but important event and offered a $25,000 prize to the school that could get the most people to vote online on its behalf. Mira Mesa High prevailed over high schools in San Diego, Dallas and Portland, Ore. Mira Mesa reports that part of the money will go to pay for a prom at the Wild Animal Park and part will go to Grad Night, the traditional party that follows the graduation ceremony.

PEANUT GALLERY

Julia Bryan of Santee had visions of princesses and fairies, Halloween and more as she created this colorful drawing.

Young people are invited to submit original artwork (done in color) that we will publish in our Peanut Gallery feature. Send your submissions to: Family Section, The San Diego Union-Tribune, P.O. Box 120191, San Diego, CA 92112. Include your name, address, age and a phone number in case we need to reach you.

– COMPILED BY JANE CLIFFORD

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