The 16th annual Christopher Morley Knothole Association Student Reading Scholarship Contest will be held at the Bryant Library on Wednesday, Feb. 27, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The high school readers will be drawn from Glen Cove, Herricks, Locust Valley, Mineola, North Shore, Port Washington, Roslyn, Syosset and Wheatley High Schools.

This year's format will allow each student a total of six minutes to make his or her presentation. In that time, the first one or two minutes will be devoted to the student's own original, in depth introdution or opening remarks as to the title, author, plot line and reasons for selecting the particular novel, story or poem. The remaining four minutes will be for the reading of the selected passages from the author's written work.

We are also incorporating a larger list of books than in past years. As in the past the students can choose books on Christopher Morley's list of "Golden Florins." Additionally, readers can choose from the "100 Best Books of the 21st Century," which contains some of the same books as Morley's "Golden Florins." Morley devised the name for his book list from his wish to leave these books as treasures or "pieces of gold" to be loved by future generations of readers. As the story goes, Morley recalled the Italian poet and scholar Petrarch (1304-74) who left a provision in his will of 50 golden florins to be given to Boccaccio (1313-1375) author of the Decameron. Petrarch wanted Boccaccio to buy a cloak to keep out the chill of winter. Likewise, Morley would do better...He would leave his modern readers 85 titles to protect their minds from the chill of ignorance. This year, the CMKA has expanded on that list to include more modern books included in the "100 Best Books of the 20th Century."

The CMKA judges will select winners based on introductory remarks, eloquence, feeling, interpretation, stage presence, eye contact and suitability for a podium reading without props or costumes. Scholarships will be $500 for first place, $100 for second, $50 for third.

As space is limited, it is suggested that those interested in participating sign up early. For more information about this event you may contact the CMKA, c/o the Bryant Library or telephone the president, Peter Cohn, at 631-271-2923 or VP Mark Montanaro at 631-673-3046.