Central eighth grader Lori Key’s essay advances to state Farm Bureau contest
Published 4:45 am Thursday, February 26, 2004
By Staff
Three students from Dowagiac's Central Middle School have been named local winners in the 35th annual America and Me Essay Contest sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance.
The three students, who earned first-, second- and third-place awards for their school are: Lori Key, first; Sasha Cole, second; and Lindsey Truitt, third.
All three received award certificates for their achievement. As the school's first-place winner, Lori's name will also be engraved on a plaque for permanent display in the school.
Lori Key'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 receive plaques, cash and U.S. savings bonds valued from $500 to $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.
A team of finalist judges that includes a top Michigan government official and the sponsoring teachers of last year's top two statewide winners, will determine the ranking of the top 10 statewide winners this year.
Several thousand eighth grade students from more than 500 Michigan schools participated in the 2003-2004 America and Me Essay Contest, which was conducted with the help of Farm Bureau Insurance agents across the state.
The topic of the 2003-2004 contest was "My American Hero."
Started in 1968 and open to all Michigan eighth grade students, the contest encourages state youngsters to explore their roles in America's future.
As sponsor of the contest, Farm Bureau Insurance has earned 11 national awards from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.