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Teen

Are you X-traordinary?

The Times' Xpress page is looking for a new collection of young writers for the 2006-07 school year.

By SHERRY ROBINSON
Published April 3, 2006

So George Christian Pappas wrote a story about preparing for the school year.

From that story on, the team has not stopped working to bring readers interesting and fun stories from the teen and tween world.

George and Michael Nader went to the Universal Halloween Horror Nights to give readers the inside scoop on the best hauntings at the theme park.

Amanda Machado talked with tween idol actor Drake Bell while Veronika Slep chatted with actor Sara Paxton on the release of her film Aquamarine.

Team members have reviewed movies, previewed kids' television shows and written about the latest books. They have talked with the man who gives voice to SpongeBob SquarePants and checked out the cool places that kids like to blog.

They have filled us in on fashion, helped kids figure out their Halloween costumes and shared their New Year's resolutions.

The X-Team members have had a full year and they aren't done yet. But it is time to search for the team that will take their place at the end of the school year.

And that's where you come in.

If you want to meet interesting people and tell their stories, if you like to write engaging stories about celebrities, kids who are doing cool or inspiring things or give your take on a new movie, then you may be just right for the X-Team.

Now is the time to apply.

Reporting and writing is a huge part of what the X-Team does. But members also spend time in a summertime boot camp at the end of July learning about journalism.

There are also periodic meetings throughout the year to discuss story ideas.

So apply now to be considered for the next X-Team.

An applicant - that's YOU, not your PARENTS! - must follow all of the instructions at right, or the application will not be considered.

Here's the first instruction: Read this list of MUSTS to see if you qualify.

-- You must have a talent for and a love of writing.

-- You must be full of good story ideas about people, places, things and events (no fiction!) and be comfortable interviewing people.

-- You must be able to meet deadlines without being nagged by your editor.

-- You must be comfortable talking with editors, who will need to chat with you regularly by phone and e-mail for editing sessions.

-- You must be able to attend the X-Team Boot Camp at the end of July in St. Petersburg. Please consider your time obligations with school and other extracurricular commitments before applying. Being an X-Team member is a large time commitment.

-- You must have a parent or guardian willing to drive you to and from X-Team assignments and workshops or, if you are old enough, you must be able to drive yourself. (Keep in mind that you might have to travel outside your county, so this is very important.)

-- You must have access to e-mail. (You don't have to OWN a computer; you just have to be able to use one and check it regularly.) You will send your stories to the Times via computer, and we communicate story ideas, deadline reminders and other important information via e-mail.

-- You must be 10 to 18 years old.

If you meet these requirements, we want you to apply! The competition is tough, so we need to know as much about you as possible.

Fill out the attached coupon and include it and a photo of yourself with a letter covering the following points (sorry, we can't return material):

-- What being a member of the X-Team would mean to you.

-- Why you are the best person for the job.

-- Five absolutely fabulous story ideas; two examples of deadlines you have met; and samples of your writing (nonfiction stories, if you have any).

-- All the activities you're involved in outside of school hours and how often they meet.

Use your best handwriting or typing skills and follow directions.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

[Last modified April 3, 2006, 09:04:58]