Both the AP and the Post picked up the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s decision to hold an essay contest to award parade viewing stand tickets to over 100 D.C. students. The contest, which asks students to write 500-word essays responding to the question, “How can I contribute to my neighborhood through community service?”, is open to any public or private middle school or high school student in the District. Since the contest is aimed at minors, the PIC is asking parents to submit their child’s essay for them, which can’t help but make us wonder how many of these essays will basically be written by the parents instead of the kids. Selected entrants get three free parade tickets — so parents, click here to get started on your (ahem) child’s application. Essays are due by 11:59 p.m. on January 11.