Verizon Wireless is throwing a $45,000 Quinceanera Party for one lucky winner who writes the most compelling essay and then receives the most votes via online and SMS.

The competition asks eligible teenagers in select cities across the western states to submit an essay in argument for why they should be the winner of the My Fabulous Quince contest. 100 finalists will be selected by Verizon and then be handed over to the public for an election via SMS and online.

"The Verizon Wireless ?My Fabulous Quince' will be promoted on line, through media outreach, local advertising materials, mobile outreach, in-store promotion and by ?Street Teams' that will be at malls in each of the five participating markets to promote the contest and show participants how they can upload their entries to the website," said Bob Kelley, press relations manager -- mountain region at Verizon Wireless, Denver, CO.

The winner with the most votes will receive a $45,000 Quinceanera party including an event planner, venue, catering for 200 guests, transportation and a live performance by pop artist Pee Wee.

The first phase of the Verizon Wireless contest runs from July 13 to August 16 when eligible teenagers from Los Angeles, San Jose, Las Vegas, Denver and Kennewick, WA metropolitan areas may enter a brief essay answering three questions:
What does winning a Quince mean to you?
How do you stay in touch with your friends?
What is your favorite subject and why?

The submissions can range from financial or physical hardships faced by the teenager to hopes and dreams and can be sent in at http://www.myfabulousquince.com.

During the essay submission period, each of the participating series will hold a Quince Expo where teens and their families can meet and greet Pee Wee, as well as participate in party planning activities such as a fashion run show and make-up stations.

At the end of the submission period, Verizon Wireless will announce 100 semi-finalists -- 20 from each of the five cities -- that it had chosen based on the compelling nature of the essays.

After the semi-finalists are selected, the public will have a chance to vote for their favorite competitor from August 22 to August 31.

Individuals who would like to vote can submit their vote via SMS or online at the My Fabulous 15 Web site.

On September 3, the Grand Prize winner will be announced along with five runners-up who will receive a handset and a gift card to Verizon Wireless.

The My Fabulous 15 party will be held on October 3, when the Grand Prize winner will be able to celebrate his or her birthday with 200 friends.

This isn't the first time around for Verizon Wireless' My Fabulous Quince contest.

"Last year the response was astounding," Mr. Kelley said. "Thousands of young girls and boys submitted entries to be considered, and nearly 6 million text messages and more than 500,000 online votes were received for the semifinalists."