James Earl Jones and Verizon Honor Local Student Essay Contest Winners

TAMPA, Fla., March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning actor and Verizon spokesperson James Earl Jones today honored Tampa Bay area students who submitted winning essays in a Verizon sponsored contest on the topic, "Why are computers and the Internet important to my education and my future?" Eight student finalists received plaques from Jones at the Carrollwood Verizon Plus Store on Dale Mabry in Tampa. In addition, each student was entered into a drawing for a chance to win a laptop computer and free Verizon Online DSL or Dial Internet service for one year(1).

"We are committed to promoting the importance of advancing technologies in today's world," said Phil Brown, Vice President of Specialty Sales, Verizon. "The essay contest is an excellent opportunity to help local grade school students understand the vital role technology plays in their academic development."

"Pinellas County is extremely proud of the achievements of these eight students. Technology and the Internet must play an integral role in providing students with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century technology- driven world economy. Most students are growing up in a digital world and must have computers as a tool for productivity as well as for learning, research, networking, collaborating, and problem solving. Education is preparing students for their future. Technology and the Internet are today's tools for assisting them in achieving 21st century skills," said Ms. Judy Ambler, Supervisor, Pre K-12 Instructional Technology, Pinellas County School District."

Verizon opened the contest to third through eighth grade students in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, as part of the company's commitment to supporting the education and development of children throughout the country and in the Tampa Bay area.

About Verizon Plus

Verizon Plus is the only face-to-face sales and service channel that provides Verizon customers with one-stop shopping for all of their residential and small business telecommunications needs. The Verizon Plus retail store fronts provide Verizon customers with an outlet where which they can purchase telecommunications equipment, Verizon Wireless service (where available), DSL, Long Distance, DirecTV, bundled services, and other Verizon services. Additionally, customers can also pay their Verizon Wireless and Wireline bills in the Plus stores, as well as enroll for Verizon's One Bill product, which provides customers with the capability of combining their Verizon Wireline, Wireless, and DirecTV charges onto the Verizon local bill. All of these services are provided in an environment that embodies outstanding customer service.

About Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications Inc. is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. With a diverse work force of approximately 208,000, Verizon has four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband, nationwide long-distance and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/.

About James Earl Jones - Verizon Spokesperson

Mr. Jones first became the voice of Bell Atlantic in 1989 when he was featured in a commercial campaign for Bell Atlantic Directory Services. He proved to be so popular that he was adopted as a corporate-wide spokesperson in 1995. And, when GTE and Bell Atlantic merged in June 2000 to become Verizon Communications, that partnership was extended. Mr. Jones' current activities as corporate spokesperson for Verizon include participation in many events around the country.

(1) One-year free Verizon Online DSL or Dial Internet service is

available to qualifying customers only.