Addiction. Drug abuse. Prevention.

Those are the key topics in the Fourth Annual "Maryland You Are Beautiful" student writing competition, kicked off by Gov. William Donald Schaefer and a group of state officials at West Baltimore Middle School yesterday.

The theme of this year's competition, to be held Feb. 1 to March 1, is "Say No To Drugs." Students around the state, from kindergarten to high school, will write essays intended to persuade others to avoid drug abuse.

Students who enter the contest will get free discount coupons to Kings Dominion Theme park. The top 12 finalists will be honored at an awards ceremony and luncheon with Schaefer.