What better way to celebrate the end of finals week than by eating pizza? The District 219 Education Foundation, with help from Dance Marathon, is hosting its third annual Pizza Wars on Thursday, Jan. 17 at Niles West High School starting at 6:00 p.m.

The D219 Education Foundation for Excellence is an non-profit charitable organization which provides educational resources for District 219 students in financial need.

Pizza Wars is a delicious search for the best pizza in the D219 area. Twelve pizzerias have entered their pizzas into this year’s competition. These include: de Carlucci’s, Edwardo’s, Father and Son Italian Kitchen, Gulliver’s, Jet’s, Lou Malnati’s, Nancy’s, Organic Life, Papa John’s, Pequod’s, Sarpino’s, Village Inn and Wa-Pa-Ghetti’s.

After tasting all possible pizzas, you can vote for your favorite in hopes that it reigns supreme over all other slices. Last year’s champion was Skokie’s Jet’s Pizza.

Tickets are $10 a person and five tickets for $40 when bought in advance. At the door, tickets will be $12. To purchase tickets, go to http://www.219foundation.org/.

The pizza tasting will end at 7:15 p.m., and the winner will be announced shortly after, at 7:30 p.m. Pizza Wars ends at 9:00 p.m. and entertainment is provided throughout the night with student performances such as Niles North’s 2012 Variety Show winners, freshmen Russell Reyes and Jacob Austria, and senior Glenwin Ebreo.

Pizza Wars is right around the corner, so get your tickets soon. It’s a very popular event which sells out fast, so don’t be left hungry at the door.