Ronkonkoma, N.Y. - Voting for the top high school photographer in Sigma America's annual photography scholarship contest will conclude April 1.

The top five vote-getters will become finalists for a photography scholarship comprised of $5,000 in cash and $1,000 in Sigma photography gear.

A total of 167 high school seniors from across the nation are in contention this year. Company executives will select the ultimate winner from among the five finalists selected by online voters.

The winner will be announced April 18.

To view submissions and cast a vote, visit the Sigma scholarship submissions page.

"The number of entries grew by 30 percent, and the content and quality of the students' submissions continues to amaze us," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, Sigma America president. "Some of the contestants have nearly 2,000 votes right now. It's going to be a tough decision this year, but we are extremely honored to help one high school senior start his or her career."

Submissions for the contest started on Nov. 15, 2010, and applicants were required to submit three to five thematically tied photographs along with a brief essay describing their creative process in capturing and selecting the images.

The annual scholarship contest is open to students pursuing a higher education in such industries as photography, photojournalism, graphic arts and design, visual arts and art history.