The Wellness Quotient

Tea Council of the USA, Inc. Sponsors $15,000 Nationwide Scholarship

NEW YORK, April 6 /PRNewswire/ — The Tea Council of the USA, Inc. proudly announces the 3rd Annual Calm-A-Sutra of Tea(TM) Competition, giving college students an opportunity to win a $15,000 educational scholarship. Misty May-Treanor, professional beach volleyball champ and former “Dancing With The Stars” contestant, launches this much-needed scholarship, in her call-to-action to inspire college students to get creative with the many health benefits of tea.

Specifically, students are asked to submit their own video creations about tea. The student who submits the most unique one- to two-minute video on the health benefits of drinking tea, will be selected by a panel of Tea Council representatives to receive a scholarship of $15,000 paid directly to the school or educational institution on the winner’s behalf.

“While educating the public, including young people, on the emerging science supporting the health-related benefits of drinking tea is one of the Tea Council’s main objectives, we also strongly support America’s young people seeking a higher education,” said Joe Simrany, President of the Tea Council of the USA. “With rising tuition costs, the Calm-A-Sutra of Tea scholarship competition is an ideal vehicle for this internet generation to pursue their search for financial aid for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year.”

The 2008 Calm-A-Sutra Competition garnered 700 student videos and, based on the high interest in financial aid among college students, the Tea Council predicts this year’s draw could exceed that number.

“It is so important for people to stay healthy and fit, and tea is a great way to do just that,” says Misty May-Treanor. “In this economy, students can definitely use some extra cash and this is a fantastic way for students to learn about the health benefits of tea and possibly earn $15,000 towards their education. With a prize this great, the competition is sure to be tough. I can’t wait to see the unique videos that the students are bound to create!”

All entries must be original videos created by the entrant and must contain at least one valid message regarding the health benefits of tea, specifically black, green, white or oolong tea, all of which are from the Camellia sinensis plant. Open to legal residents of the United States and Puerto Rico, who are at least 16 years of age, all entries must be received electronically at www.teausa.org/calmasutra no later than midnight on Sunday, May 31, 2009.

Final judging will be conducted by a panel of representatives of the Tea Council of the USA, Inc. based on the following criteria: HEALTH-RELATED MESSAGE (50%), CREATIVITY (20%), INDIVIDUALITY (20%) and POPULARITY (10%). Entries that contain any nudity, sexual content, inappropriate language, unsuitable behavior or adult material will be automatically discarded and not considered for submission.

For more information and to submit your video for consideration, please visit www.teausa.org/calmasutra.