With the school year under way, the Democrat-Herald is preparing to launch its annual Young Voices program for teen writers and photographers.

Working under the direction of program adviser Steve Lundeberg, the Democrat-Herald's associate editor, the Young Voices team produces stories and photographs for the weekly Young Voices page.

The idea is for the material to be of particular interest to teen readers, while also being interesting to the general readership.

The team has a core of returning members but additional spots are open. If you're interested in participating in the program, contact Lundeberg by e-mail at steve.lundeberg@lee.net.

Attach a 250-word autobiography that includes your age, year in school, parents' and siblings' names, areas of interest and anything else you think is particularly important about yourself.

Also, if possible, e-mail a head-and-shoulders photograph for use in the paper if you end up becoming a member of the team.