Alaska Airlines is inviting  school-age children from throughout the state to enter its “Paint the Plane”  contest to create artwork to adorn an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-400 jet in  honor of the state’s 50th anniversary in 2009.

Students in grades K-12 from public, private and home schools in the state of Alaska can submit designs  that best capture the theme of “The Spirit of Alaska.”  A final selection panel comprised of artists and other dignitaries from throughout Alaska will select the winning design, which will be  revealed Jan. 3, 2009, the date commemorating Alaska ’s  statehood.

The student with the winning  design, as well as a finalist from each grade level, will receive a trip to  Disneyland Resort.  In all, 13 trips for four to Disneyland Resort —  including round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations and tickets to the park —  will be awarded.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the  state’s anniversary in such a dramatic way,” said Bill MacKay, Alaska Airlines’  senior vice president for the state of Alaska.  “We are incredibly proud that  our aircraft bear the state’s name, and this plane will no doubt have a very  special place in our hearts.”

A dedicated web site, www.PaintThePlane.com provides contest  rules, instructions and entry forms required to participate.  Entry forms  also will be available in community newspapers throughout the state, at schools  and at community libraries starting on Sunday, Aug.  24.

Contact: Caroline Boren or  Marianne Lindsey with Alaska Airlines (206)  392-5101