Three students from Ring Lardner Middle School in Niles have been named local winners in the 43rd annual America & Me Essay Contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance.

Yalia Cox took first, Michaela Smith second, and Courtney Thacker third.

All three received award certificates for their achievement.

For winning, Cox will have her name engraved on a plaque that will be displayed at the middle school.

Farm Bureau Insurance agent Tony Gaideski, of Niles, sponsored ring Lardner Middle School’s participation in the America & Me Essay Contest.

Cox’s first place essay now advances to the state level competition, from which the top 10 essays in Michigan will be selected.  The top 10 statewide winners, who will be announced in April, will each receive a plaque, a medallion and a cash award of $1,000.

In addition, the top 10 essayists will be honored at a banquet in Lansing, meet with Michigan’s top governmental leaders and be the featured guests at a Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball game dedicated in their honor.

Several thousand eighth grade students from over 450 Michigan schools participated in the 2012-2013 America & Me Essay Contest, which was conducted with the help of Farm Bureau Insurance agents across the state.  The topic of the 2012-2013 contest was “My Personal Michigan Hero.”

Started in 1968 and open to all Michigan eighth grade students, the contest encourages Michigan youngsters to explore the greatness of America and its people.  As a sponsor of the contest, Farm Bureau Insurance has earned 11 national awards from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.