Michael Nolan of McHenry Wins State Championship In Reader's Digest Na

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y., March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Michael Nolan, an eighth grade student from McHenry, won the Illinois state championship in the third annual Reader's Digest National Word Power Challenge(SM) today in Alton. The top 100 statewide winners competed for a trip to the finals during the state championships held in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and the Department of Defense Schools.

On April 17-19, the state champions and their teacher-escorts will travel to Walt Disney World(R) Resort, Orlando, to compete for $50,000 in college scholarships. The first place winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship. Second and third place winners will receive college scholarships of $15,000 and $10,000. The winners will also receive Reader's Digest products for their schools.

Since August 2004, more than 1.6 million fourth through eighth grade students have competed nationwide in the Reader's Digest National Word Power Challenge(SM). Al Roker, NBC Today show feature reporter, returns as quiz master for the championship round.

The Reader's Digest National Word Power Challenge(SM) is an educational outreach program of Reader's Digest, the most widely read magazine in the world, and the Reader's Digest Association, Inc. . Schools are encouraged to register for next year's competition at http://www.wordpowerchallenge.com/.

EDITORS NOTE: Additional information on the state championship round can be found at http://www.rd.com/nwpc (click on "State Championship Event Information").